U.S. patent number 8,831,419 [Application Number 13/667,801] was granted by the patent office on 2014-09-09 for lens barrel and imaging device provided with lens barrel, and assembly method of lens barrel.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Panasonic Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Panasonic Corporation. Invention is credited to Takushi Terasaka, Toshio Yoshimatu, Naoto Yumiki.
United States Patent |
8,831,419 |
Yumiki , et al. |
September 9, 2014 |
Lens barrel and imaging device provided with lens barrel, and
assembly method of lens barrel
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens
barrel in which operability for a user is increased and a reduction
in parts is achieved while provided with a manual operating member.
There is provided the lens barrel that is provided with an imaging
optical system for forming an optical image of an object, a focus
lens unit which is included in the imaging optical system and
capable of changing an object distance by moving in a direction
parallel to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, moving
means for moving the focus lens unit in the direction parallel to
the optical axis, driving means for driving the moving means, a
focus ring which is of a cylindrical shape coaxial to the optical
axis of the imaging optical system and manually operated in a
rotational manner in order to drive the driving means to thereby
move the focus lens unit by the moving means, and a focus mode
switching button which is integrally provided in the focus, and
operated in order to switch between a state of allowing a manual
rotating operation of the focus ring and a state of preventing the
manual rotating operation.
Inventors: |
Yumiki; Naoto (Osaka,
JP), Terasaka; Takushi (Osaka, JP),
Yoshimatu; Toshio (Osaka, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Corporation |
Osaka |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
Panasonic Corporation (Osaka,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
34829435 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/667,801 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130120637 A1 |
May 16, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12728770 |
Mar 22, 2010 |
8326137 |
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10587575 |
May 18, 2010 |
7720370 |
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PCT/JP2005/001006 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jan 30, 2004 [JP] |
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2004-024375 |
Jan 30, 2004 [JP] |
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2004-024376 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
396/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
7/02 (20130101); G02B 7/026 (20130101); G02B
7/023 (20130101); H04N 5/2254 (20130101); G03B
17/14 (20130101); H04N 5/2352 (20130101); H04N
5/232125 (20180801); H04N 5/232939 (20180801); G02B
7/04 (20130101); G02B 7/08 (20130101); G03B
3/02 (20130101); H04N 2101/00 (20130101); Y10T
29/4984 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
G03B
17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;396/79 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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62-184421 |
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Aug 1987 |
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JP |
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01-304409 |
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Dec 1989 |
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JP |
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06-069923 |
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Sep 1994 |
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JP |
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7-311398 |
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Nov 1995 |
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JP |
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08-286252 |
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Nov 1996 |
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JP |
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09-145986 |
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Jun 1997 |
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JP |
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11-006947 |
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Jan 1999 |
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JP |
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2001-197358 |
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Jul 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-337359 |
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Dec 2001 |
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JP |
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2002-207154 |
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Jul 2002 |
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JP |
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2003-029131 |
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Jan 2003 |
|
JP |
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2003-084183 |
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Mar 2003 |
|
JP |
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2003-185909 |
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Jul 2003 |
|
JP |
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2003-242163 |
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Aug 2003 |
|
JP |
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2003-344750 |
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Dec 2003 |
|
JP |
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Other References
Machine translation of JP2001-324660A, Takahashi et al., "Focus
ring attaching structure for optical equipment", Nov. 22, 2001.
cited by applicant .
Japanese Notice of Reasons for Rejection issued in Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2004-024375 dated May 25, 2010. cited by
applicant .
Japanese Notice of Reasons for Rejection issued in Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2004-024375 dated Dec. 24, 2009. cited by
applicant .
Japanese Notice of Reasons for Rejection issued in Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2004-024375 dated Oct. 20, 2010. cited by
applicant .
Japanese Decision of Final Rejection issued in Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2004-024375 dated Jan. 20, 2011. cited by
applicant .
Japanese Decision to Dismiss an Amendment issued in Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2004-024375 dated Jan. 20, 2011. cited by
applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Blackman; Rochelle-Ann J
Assistant Examiner: Smith; Linda B
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/728,770, filed on Mar. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,326,137, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/587,575, filed on May 25, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,720,370,
which is a U.S. National Phase of PCT/JP2005/001006, filed on Jan.
26, 2005, claiming priority of Japanese Application Nos.
2004-024375 and 2004-024376 both of which were filed on Jan. 30,
2004, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated
by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A lens barrel, comprising: a lens unit for holding an imaging
optical system, the imaging optical system forming an optical image
of an object and including a diaphragm unit capable of changing an
aperture value; and a diaphragm ring unit including a cylindrical
diaphragm ring and a cylindrical ring fixing frame which supports
the diaphragm ring in a rotatable manner, the diaphragm ring being
manually rotated to change the aperture value, wherein the
diaphragm ring unit is detachably coupled to the lens unit from an
optical image side of the lens unit, in a state where the imaging
optical system in the lens unit is capable of forming an optical
image of the object.
2. An imaging device including: the lens barrel according to claim
1; and a camera body having an image sensor capable of converting
the optical image of the object into an electric image signal.
3. A method of assembling a lens barrel used in an imaging device
capable of converting an optical image of an object into an
electric image signal, the method comprising: a first step of
assembling a lens unit which holds an imaging optical system, the
imaging optical system forming an optical image of the object and
including a diaphragm unit capable of changing an aperture value; a
second step of assembling a diaphragm ring unit including a
cylindrical diaphragm ring and a cylindrical ring fixing frame
which supports the diaphragm ring in a rotatable manner, the
diaphragm ring being manually rotated to change the aperture value,
and a third step of attaching the diaphragm ring unit assembled in
the second step to the lens unit from an optical image side of the
lens unit, in a state where the imaging optical system in the lens
unit is capable of forming an optical image of the object.
4. A method of assembling a lens barrel used in an imaging device
capable of converting an optical image of an object into an
electric image signal, the method comprising: a first step of
assembling a lens unit which holds an imaging optical system, the
imaging optical system forming an optical image of the object and
including a focus lens unit which moves in a direction parallel to
an optical axis at the time of focusing; a second step of
assembling a focus ring unit including a cylindrical focus ring and
a cylindrical ring fixing frame which supports the focus ring in a
rotatable manner, the focus ring being manually rotated to move the
focus lens unit; and a third step of attaching the focus ring unit
assembled in the second step to the lens unit from an optical image
side of the lens unit, in a state where the imaging optical system
in the lens unit is capable of forming an optical image of the
object.
5. A method of assembling a lens barrel used in an imaging device
capable of converting an optical image of an object into an
electric image signal, the method comprising: a first step of
assembling a lens unit which holds an imaging optical system, the
imaging optical system forming an optical image of the object and
including a zoom lens unit which moves in a direction parallel to
an optical axis at the time of zooming; a second step of assembling
a zoom ring unit including a cylindrical zoom ring and a
cylindrical ring fixing frame which supports the zoom ring in a
rotatable manner, the zoom ring being manually rotated to move the
zoom lens unit; and a third step of attaching the zoom ring unit
assembled in the second step to the lens unit from an optical image
side of the lens unit, in a state where the imaging optical system
in the lens unit is capable of forming an optical image of the
object.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a lens barrel, an imaging device
provided with the lens barrel, a camera provided with the imaging
device, and an assembly method of the lens barrel, and relates more
specifically to a lens barrel provided with a manual operating
member and an imaging device provided with the lens barrel, and an
assembly method of the lens barrel.
BACKGROUND ART
In recent years, a digital still camera and a digital video camera
(hereinafter, referred merely to as digital camera) capable of
converting an optical image of an object into an electrical image
signal to be outputted therefrom have rapidly come into widespread
use.
The digital cameras are roughly classified into two groups: namely,
one is a full auto model aiming at an improvement in speed of auto
focus, a reduction in size and weight of a main body, or the like;
and the other is a high-end model provided with a focus ring for
performing a manual operation of focusing and an aperture ring for
performing a manual operation of exposure setting. Recently, since
quality of images taken by the digital camera has been improved,
popularity of the high-end model which can provide users with
satisfaction to operate by themselves has also been increased.
The digital camera includes an imaging device provided with an
image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.
The imaging device has a lens barrel for holding an imaging optical
system. The lens barrel for use in a digital camera which can be
manually operated is usually provided with operating members, such
as cylindrical zoom ring, focus ring, aperture ring, and the like.
There is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, a camera
provided with a lens barrel provided with a zoom ring, a focus
ring, and an aperture ring, which can be manually operated. The
camera described in Patent Document 1 can perform zooming by
operating the zoom ring, focusing by operating the focus ring, and
changes in aperture by operating the aperture ring, separately.
The camera described in Patent Document 1 has an AF/MF changeover
switch, in addition to the focus ring, for selectively switching
between an auto focus mode of automatically performing focusing and
a manual focus mode of performing focusing by manual operation.
According to the camera described in Patent Document 1, when the
manual focus mode is selected, a focus motor is driven based on the
amount of rotation and a rotational direction of the focus ring, so
that the focus lens is moved in an optical axis direction.
Additionally, the camera described in Patent Document 1 has an
exposure setting dial, in addition to the aperture ring, for
switching exposure modes. According to the lens barrel described in
Patent Document 1, it is possible to select, by operating the
exposure setting dial, a desired mode out of a program AE mode in
which the exposure is fully automatically set, an aperture priority
AE mode in which the exposure is set based on an aperture being
set, a shutter speed priority AE mode in which the exposure is set
based on a shutter speed being set, and a manual exposure mode in
which the exposure is fully manually set.
According to the camera described in Patent Document 1, when the
aperture priority AE mode or the manual exposure mode is selected,
an aperture motor is driven based on the amount of rotation and the
rotational direction of the aperture ring to thereby operate an
aperture blade, so that the exposure is controlled.
Meanwhile, there is disclosed, in Patent Document 2, a lens device
provided with a front spherical lens, a first moving lens unit, an
iris device, a second moving lens unit, a zoom ring for moving the
first moving lens unit to an optical axis, an iris ring for
changing an iris aperture of the iris device, a focus ring for
moving the second moving lens unit to the optical axis.
According to the lens device described in Patent Document 2, the
first moving lens unit and the zoom ring, the iris device and the
iris ring, and the second moving lens unit and the focus ring
constitute integrated blocks, respectively. For that reason, it is
configured such that respective blocks are stacked in order and
fixed with screws or the like in assembling the lens device.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai)
No. 2003-29131 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-207154
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the camera described in Patent Document 1, however, the AF/MF
changeover switch is arranged in a position with which an operation
of the focus ring is not associated. Moreover, in the camera
described in Patent Document 1, the exposure setting dial is
arranged in a position with which an operation of the aperture ring
is not associated.
The camera described in Patent Document 1 has therefore had a
problem of not providing excellent operability because the AF/MF
changeover switch and the exposure setting dial have been arranged
in the positions with which the manual operating members of the
focus ring and the aperture ring have not been associated.
Additionally, the camera described in Patent Document 1 has had a
problem of an increase in parts because the AF/MF changeover switch
and the exposure setting dial are arranged in the positions with
which the manual operating members of the focus ring and the
aperture ring have not been associated.
Meanwhile, in the lens device described in Patent Document 2, when
quality of images formed by a lens system has been evaluated, all
of ring members have been structurally required to be attached. As
a result, there has been a problem of complication in assembly of
the ring members.
Moreover, in the lens device described in Patent Document 2, if the
ring member has needed to be changed due to damage or
deterioration, the imaging optical system has been required to be
decomposed. As a result, when the ring member has been exchanged,
adjustment from the imaging optical system has needed to be
performed, thus making maintenance difficult.
Further, in the imaging device, in order to increase expandability
of the imaging optical system, a filter mount is fixed for holding
a filter or other optical systems, which should be arranged on a
side closest to an object. The filter mount has a structure of
fixing the filter or the other optical systems by a screw, wherein
the screw with a diameter almost the same as that of the lens
system arranged on the side closest to the object is usually
fowled.
However, also as to the filter mount, if it has needed to be
exchanged due to damage or deterioration, the imaging optical
system has been required to be decomposed. For that reason, also
when exchanging the filter mount, adjustment from the imaging
optical system has needed to be performed, thus making maintenance
difficult.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the lens barrel
in which operability for the user is improved and a reduction in
parts is achieved while provided with the manual operating member,
the imaging device provided with the lens barrel, and the camera
provided with the imaging device.
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate
assembly and maintenance of the lens barrel having a cylindrical
shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging optical system,
and including the operating member which is manually operated in a
rotational manner, and of the imaging device.
Solution to the Problems
The foregoing object is achieved by the following lens barrel.
In a lens barrel used for an imaging device capable of converting
an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal, the
lens barrel is provided with
an imaging optical system for forming an optical image of an
object,
a focus lens unit which is included in the imaging optical system
and capable of changing an object distance by moving in a direction
parallel to an optical axis of the imaging optical system,
moving means for moving the focus lens unit in the direction
parallel to the optical axis,
driving means for driving the moving means,
a first operating member which is of a cylindrical shape coaxial to
the optical axis of the imaging optical system and manually
operated in a rotational manner in order to drive the driving means
to thereby move the focus lens unit by the moving means, and
a second operating member which is integrally provided in the first
operating member, and operated in order to switch between a state
of allowing a manual rotating operation of the first operating
member and a state of preventing the manual rotating operation.
According to the configuration described above, a user does not
need to take a hand off from the first operating member when
changing a focus mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens
barrel excellent in operability for the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, a focus
mode setting and a manual focusing can be made only by the
operation of the first operating member. Thus, it is possible to
provide the lens barrel excellent in operability for the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the
rotating operation of the first operating member serves two
functions, namely, a function as an operating member for performing
manual focusing, and a function as a switch for switching the focus
mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in
operability for the user. Moreover, since it also serves as the
switch, a reduction in parts can be achieved.
The foregoing object is achieved by the following lens barrel.
In a lens barrel used for an imaging device capable of converting
an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal, the
lens barrel is provided with
an imaging optical system for forming an optical image of an
object,
an aperture stop which is provided in a specified position on the
optical axis of the imaging optical system and capable of changing
an aperture of the imaging optical system,
driving means for operating the aperture stop,
a first operating member which is of a cylindrical shape coaxial to
the optical axis of the imaging optical system and manually
operated in a rotational manner in order to drive the driving means
to thereby change the aperture of the aperture stop by the changing
means, and
a second operating member which is integrally provided in the first
operating member, and operated in order to switch between a state
of allowing the manual rotating operation of the first operating
member and the state of preventing the manual rotating
operation.
According to the configuration described above, the user does not
need to take a hand off from the first operating member when
changing an aperture mode among exposure setting modes. Thus, it is
possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in operability for
the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, a setting
of the aperture mode and a manual change of the aperture can be
made only by the operation of the first operating member. Thus, it
is possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in operability for
the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the
rotating operation of the first operating member serves two
functions, namely, a function as an operating member for manually
setting the aperture, and a function as a switch for switching the
aperture mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens barrel
excellent in operability for the user. Moreover, since it also
serves as the switch, a reduction in parts can be achieved.
The foregoing object is achieved by the following imaging
device.
In an imaging device capable of converting an optical image of an
object into an electrical image signal, the imaging device is
provided with
a lens barrel including the imaging optical system for forming the
optical image of the object,
an image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the
imaging optical system into the electrical image signal, and
control means,
wherein the lens barrel includes a focus lens unit which is
included in the imaging optical system and capable of changing an
object distance by moving in a direction parallel to an optical
axis of the imaging optical system, moving means for moving the
focus lens unit in the direction parallel to the optical axis,
driving means for driving the moving means based on the control
signal, a first operating member which is of a cylindrical shape
coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging optical system and
manually operated in a rotational manner, a second operating member
which is integrally provided in the first operating member, and
operated in order to switch between the state of allowing the
manual rotating operation of the first operating member and the
state of preventing the manual rotating operation, and angle of
rotation detecting means for outputting a signal in accordance with
an angle of rotation of the first operating member,
wherein when the first operating member is rotationally operated in
a state where the rotating operation of the first operating member
is allowed by the operation of the second operating member, the
control means generates the control signal for moving the focus
lens unit based on the signal outputted by the angle of rotation
detecting means.
According to the configuration described above, the user does not
need to take a hand off from the focus ring 32 when changing the
focus mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging device
excellent in operability for the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the
rotating operation of the first operating member serves two
functions, namely, a function as an operating member for performing
manual focusing, and a function as a switch for switching the focus
mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent
in operability for the user. Moreover, since it also serves as the
switch, a reduction in parts can be achieved.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the user
can rotate the first operating member with a small torque in the
case of the manual focus. Thus, it is possible to provide the
imaging device excellent in operability for the user.
Preferably, the imaging device is further provided with operation
means for calculating a defocus amount of the imaging optical
system,
wherein when an operation start is instructed in a state where the
rotating operation of the first operating member is prevented by
the operation of the second operating member, the control means
generates a control signal for moving the focus lens unit based on
an operation result of the operation means.
According to the configuration described above, in the case of an
auto focus mode, the first operating member does not rotate. Thus,
it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent in
operability for the user.
Specifically, the defocus amount of the operation means is
calculated based on the image signal outputted by the image
sensor.
Preferably, the imaging optical system is a zoom lens system,
and
the imaging device is further provided with
operation means for calculating a defocus amount of the imaging
optical system, and
focal length detection means for detecting a focal length of the
imaging optical system,
wherein when the operation start is instructed in a state where the
rotating operation of the first operating member is prevented by
the operation of the second operating member, the control means
generates the control signal for moving the focus lens unit based
on the operation result of the operation means and a detection
result of the focal length detection means.
The foregoing object is achieved by the following imaging
device.
In an imaging device capable of converting an optical image of an
object into an electrical image signal, the imaging device is
provided with
a lens barrel including the imaging optical system for forming the
optical image of the object,
an image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the
imaging optical system into the electrical image signal, and
control means,
wherein the lens barrel includes an aperture stop which is provided
in a specified position on the optical axis of the imaging optical
system and capable of changing an aperture of the imaging optical
system, driving means for operating the aperture stop based on the
control signal, a first operating member which is of a cylindrical
shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging optical system and
manually operated in a rotational manner in order to drive the
driving means to thereby change the aperture of the aperture stop
by the changing means, a second operating member which is
integrally provided in the first operating member, and operated in
order to switch between the state of allowing the manual rotating
operation of the first operating member and the state of preventing
the manual rotating operation, and angle of rotation detecting
means for outputting a signal in accordance with an angle of
rotation of the first operating member,
wherein when the first operating member is rotationally operated in
a state where the rotating operation of the first operating member
is allowed by the operation of the second operating member, the
control means generates the control signal for changing an aperture
of the aperture stop based on the signal outputted by the angle of
rotation detecting means.
According to the configuration described above, the user does not
need to take a hand off from the first operating member when
changing the aperture among the exposure settings. Thus, it is
possible to provide the imaging device excellent in operability for
the user.
Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the
rotating operation of the first operating member serves two
functions, namely, a function as the operating member for manually
setting the aperture, and a function as a switch for switching the
aperture among the exposure settings. Thus, it is possible to
provide the imaging device excellent in operability for the user.
Moreover, since it also serves as the switch, a reduction in parts
can be achieved.
Furthermore, according to the configuration described above, the
user can rotate the first operating member with a small torque in
manually setting the aperture. Thus, it is possible to provide the
imaging device excellent in operability for the user.
Preferably, the imaging device is further provided with
a photometry means for detecting a quantity of light, and
an operation means for calculating an aperture of the imaging
optical system based on a detection result of the photometry
means,
wherein when the operation start is instructed in a state where the
rotating operation of the first operating member is prevented by
the operation of the second operating member, the control means
generates the control signal for changing the aperture of the
aperture stop based on an operation result of the operation
means.
According to the configuration described above, in the case of an
auto aperture mode, the first operating member does not rotate.
Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent in
operability for the user.
Specifically, the photometry means is an image sensor.
Preferably, the imaging device is further provided with
photometry means for measuring a quantity of light,
shutter speed setting means for setting a shutter speed,
operation means for calculating the aperture of the imaging optical
system based on the detection result of the photometry means and a
setting of the shutter speed setting means,
wherein when the operation start is instructed in a state where the
rotating operation of the first operating member is prevented by
the operation of the second operating member, the control means
generates the control signal for changing the aperture of the
aperture stop based on an operation result of the operation
means.
Specifically, the photometry means is an image sensor.
Effect of the Invention
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the
lens barrel in which excellent operability for the user is improved
and a reduction in parts is achieved while provided with the manual
operating member, the imaging device provided with the lens barrel,
and the camera provided with the imaging device.
Moreover, according to the present invention, assembly and
maintenance of the lens barrel being of a cylindrical shape coaxial
to the optical axis of the imaging optical system and including the
operating member which is manually operated in a rotational manner,
and the imaging device are made easier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of a digital camera according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging optical system of the
digital camera in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a lens barrel in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lens unit in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view near a bearing of a third lens
moving frame of the lens barrel according to the present
invention.
FIG. 6A is a circuit diagram of a zoom linear sensor of the lens
barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 6B is a graph showing an output of the zoom linear sensor of
the lens barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a developed view of a cam cylinder of the lens barrel in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a filter mount and a ring
unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 9A is a developed view of an outer peripheral surface of the
focus ring in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 9B is a developed view of an inner peripheral surface of the
focus ring in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling between the
focus ring and a focus linear sensor in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relation between the angle of rotation
of the focus ring, and an output value of the focus linear sensor
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12A is a developed view of the outer peripheral surface of the
aperture ring in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 12B is a developed view of the inner peripheral surface of the
aperture ring in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relation between an angle of rotation
of the aperture ring, and an output value of the aperture linear
sensor in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 14A is a schematic sectional view when the focus ring in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is in a
first stop position.
FIG. 14B is a schematic sectional view when the focus ring in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is between
the first stop position and a second stop position.
FIG. 14C is a schematic sectional view when the focus ring in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is in the
second stop position.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view explaining an assembly method of the
lens barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the assembly method of the
lens barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the
digital camera in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conductive pattern of
the focus linear sensor according to a modification of the
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19A is a schematic sectional view when a focus mode switching
button according to the modification of the embodiment of the
present invention is in the first stop position.
FIG. 19B is a schematic sectional view when the focus mode
switching button according to the modification of the embodiment of
the present invention is between the first stop position and the
second stop position.
FIG. 19C is a schematic sectional view when the focus mode
switching button according to the modification of the embodiment of
the present invention is in the second stop position.
FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram explaining action by a rotating
operation of the focus ring in the manual focus shooting area in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram explaining action by the rotating
operation of the focus ring in an auto focus shooting area in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20C is a schematic diagram explaining action by the rotating
operation of the focus ring when a character and an indicator in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention match.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS
BD: Main body TL: Imaging device L: imaging optical system L11:
lens unit L22: lens unit L33: lens unit L44: lens unit L55: lens
unit (focus lens unit) 1: Digital camera 2: Lens unit 3: First lens
unit fixing frame 4a, 4b, 4c: Guide pole 5: Master flange 7: Cam
cylinder 9: Third lens moving frame 15: Focus motor 21: Zoom linear
sensor 21a: Slider of zoom linear sensor 25: Ring unit 26: Zoom
ring 27: First ring fixing frame 28: Zoom ring unit 29: Filter
mount 32: Focus ring 33: Indicator 34: Cam groove of focus ring 35:
Focus linear sensor 35a: Slider of focus linear sensor 36: Third
ring fixing frame 37: Focus mode switching button 38: Second ring
fixing frame 40: Aperture ring 41: Aperture linear sensor 41a:
Slider of aperture linear sensor 42: Cam groove of aperture ring
43: Aperture mode switching button 44: Fourth ring fixing frame 45:
Manual ring unit 46: Lens barrel 49: Microcomputer 60: Zoom
controller 61: Focus controller 62: Aperture controller 63: Shutter
controller 64: Shutter button 65: Shutter speed setting dial
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a top view of a digital camera according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The digital camera is provided roughly
with an imaging device TL and a main body BD.
The main body BD is a housing to be supported by a user at the time
of shooting an object. The main body BD includes a shutter button
64 and a shutter speed setting dial 65. The shutter button 64 and
the shutter speed setting dial 65 are provided on the right-hand
side of the top of the main body BD.
The shutter speed setting dial 65 is an operating member for
setting a shutter speed by being rotationally operated. In
addition, the shutter speed setting dial 65 has an auto-position at
which the shutter speed is automatically set.
The main body BD also includes a liquid crystal monitor LCD and a
loudspeaker SP. The liquid crystal monitor LCD and the loudspeaker
SP are provided in a surface on the user side of the main body BD.
Actions of the liquid crystal monitor LCD and the loudspeaker SP
will be described hereinafter.
The imaging device TL includes a lens barrel 46 and an image sensor
16. The lens barrel 46 holds therein an imaging optical system L
which will be described hereinafter. The image sensor 16 is a CCD.
The image sensor 16 converts an optical image that the imaging
optical system L forms into an electrical image signal.
It should be noted herein that in all of the explanations of the
embodiments, a coordinate system is defined on the basis of an
optical axis AX of the imaging optical system L. That is, a
direction parallel to the optical axis AX of the imaging optical
system L will be defined as a z direction, and a direction which is
perpendicular to this z direction and included in a plane parallel
to the top view of FIG. 1 will be defined as an x direction.
Additionally, a direction perpendicular to both directions of the x
direction and the z direction will be defined as a y direction.
This xyz coordinate system is a three-dimensional rectangular
coordinate system.
The lens barrel 46 has a filter mount 29 on the side closest to the
object. The lens barrel 46 has a zoom ring 26, a focus ring 32, and
an aperture ring 40 in order from the filter mount 29 towards the
main body BD (a negative direction of a z-axis). All of the zoom
ring 26, the focus ring 32, and the aperture ring 40 are
rotationally operated members having a cylindrical shape, and are
rotatably arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the lens
barrel 46.
The focus ring 32 has a focus mode switching button 37. The focus
mode switching button 37 is a pushbutton switch integrally provided
in the focus ring 32. The aperture ring 40 has an aperture
switching button 43. The aperture switching button 43 is a
pushbutton switch integrally provided in the aperture ring 40. The
lens barrel 46 shows an indicator 33 which indicates a current
position resulted from a rotating operation of the focus ring 32
and the aperture ring 40, and the indicator 33 which indicates a
current position resulted from a rotating operation of the zoom
ring 26. Operations and structures of the filter mount 29, the zoom
ring 26, the focus ring 32, the aperture ring 40, and the like will
be further described hereinafter.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the imaging optical system of the
digital camera in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. The imaging optical system L of the digital camera in
accordance with the embodiment is a zoom lens system, in which an
imaging magnification can be changed as desired. FIG. 2A
illustrates a diagram of a lens configuration in a focused state at
infinity at a wide angle end (a state of the shortest focal length)
of the imaging optical system L. FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of a
lens configuration in a focused state at infinity at a zooming end
(a state of the longest focal length) of the imaging optical system
L.
The imaging optical system L includes a first lens unit L1, a
second lens unit L2, a third lens unit L3, a fourth lens unit L4,
and a fifth lens unit L5 in order from the object towards the image
(in the negative direction of the z-axis). It should be noted
herein that a straight line on the image side of the fifth lens
unit L5 is a position of an image plane of an optical image which
the imaging optical system L forms.
Arrows given in the figures represent moving loci of the second
through fifth lens units in zooming from the wide angle end to the
zooming end. Meanwhile, in the moving locus of the fifth lens unit
L5, an arrow to which an infinite symbol is given represents a
moving locus thereof in a focused state when an object distance is
infinite. Similarly, an arrow to which a character of 0.3 m is
given represents a moving locus thereof in a focused state when the
object distance is 0.3 m, and an arrow to which a character of 0.6
m is given represents a moving locus thereof in a focused state
when the object distance is 0.6 m, respectively.
Among respective lens units, the first lens unit L1, the second
lens unit L2, the third lens unit L3, and the fourth lens unit L4
are zoom lens units which are mainly in charge of zooming.
Meanwhile, the fifth lens unit L5 is a focus lens unit which is
mainly in charge of moving the position of the image plane in a
direction parallel to the optical axis AX and focusing by zooming.
The first through fifth lens units then mutually collaborate to
form the optical image of the object.
The first lens unit L1 is composed of one cemented lens component
obtained by cementing two lens elements together. The first lens
unit L1 does not move with respect to the position of the image
plane in zooming from the wide angle end to the zooming end. The
second lens unit L2 is composed of one lens element. The second
lens unit L2 moves to the image side along with the optical axis AX
while following a convex moving locus in zooming from the wide
angle end to the zooming end. The third lens unit L3 is composed of
four lens elements. The third lens unit L3 slightly moves to the
image side along with the optical axis AX while following a convex
moving locus towards the image side in zooming from the wide angle
end to the zooming end. The fourth lens unit L4 includes two
cemented lenses obtained by cementing two lens elements, and is
composed of two cemented lenses and one single lens. The fourth
lens unit L4 slightly moves to the image side along with the
optical axis AX while following a convex moving locus to the image
side in zooming from the wide angle end to the zooming end. The
fifth lens unit L5 is composed of one single lens element. The
fifth lens unit L5 almost monotonously moves along with the optical
axis AX while following a moving locus towards the object side in
zooming from the wide angle end to the zooming end.
As for the fifth lens unit L5, the nearer the object distance
becomes, the larger the moving distance thereof to the object side
becomes. In other words, when a focusing adjustment is performed
from a focused state at infinity to a focused state at close
proximity of the object distance at an arbitrary focal length, the
fifth lens unit L5 moves to the object side.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the imaging device TL in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention, specifically, FIG. 3
is a sectional view of the imaging device TL which is cut by a
plane parallel to a yz plane including the optical axis, and more
specifically, FIG. 3 is a sectional view when the imaging optical
system L of the lens barrel 46 is in the wide angle end.
The lens barrel 46 is composed roughly of a lens unit 2 for holding
the imaging optical system L, the filter mount 29, and a ring unit
25. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lens unit in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3
and FIG. 4, the lens unit 2 roughly includes a first lens unit
fixing frame 3, three guide poles 4a, 4b, and 4c, a master flange
5, a second lens moving frame 6, a ring washer 23, a cam cylinder
7, a third lens moving frame 9, an aperture stop 22, a fourth lens
moving frame 11, and a fifth lens moving frame 13.
The first lens unit fixing frame 3 has a cylindrical shape, and
fixes the first lens unit L1 to the object side of the optical axis
AX (a positive direction of the z-axis). The first lens unit fixing
frame 3 holds ends of the three guide poles 4a, 4b, and 4c, which
are in parallel to the z-axis. The first lens unit fixing frame 3
has a long hole opening 3b formed corresponding to a predetermined
center angle along the outer peripheral surface in a portion where
the first lens unit L1 having a cylindrical shape is not fixed.
The first lens unit fixing frame 3 fixes a zoom linear sensor 21 to
the outer peripheral surface. The first lens unit fixing frame 3
has a long hole opening 3a formed in a position corresponding to
the zoom linear sensor 21 along the direction parallel to the
optical axis AX. A detailed structure of the zoom linear sensor 21
will be hereinafter described.
The first lens unit fixing frame 3 has a rib 3c, a rib 3d, a rib
3e, and a rib 3f, which are projectedly formed on the outer
peripheral surface in an outer peripheral direction. Each of the
ribs is formed in a specified position on the outer peripheral
surface, and serves as a basis of positioning the filter mount and
the ring unit, which will be hereinafter described.
The master flange 5 has a plane perpendicular to the optical axis
AX, and a cylindrical portion extended in parallel to the optical
axis AX. The master flange 5 holds the other ends of three guide
poles 4a, 4b, and 4c to the cylindrical portion. The master flange
5 has a rectangular opening in the plane perpendicular to the
optical axis AX, and the image sensor 16 is fixed to this opening
portion. Incidentally, as for the image sensor 16, a low pass
filter 16b is arranged and fixed to the object side of a light
receiving portion.
Additionally, the master flange 5 fixes a focus motor 15 to the
bottom of a negative direction of the y direction. The focus motor
15 has a rotatable shaft extended in a positive direction of the
z-axis parallel to the optical axis AX. As for the focus motor 15,
a feed screw 15a is formed in the rotatable shaft.
The second lens moving frame 6 holds the second lens unit L2. The
second lens moving frame 6 has, near the outer periphery, a
rotation regulating section 6b which is a through-hole, and a
bearing 6a which is a through-hole extended in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX. A guide pole 4b passes through the
bearing 6a. A guide pole 4a passes through the rotation regulating
section 6b.
The guide pole 4b and the bearing 6a are coupled to each other with
a predetermined fitting accuracy. By the guide pole 4b and the
bearing 6a, the second lens moving frame 6, while keeping a posture
with respect to the optical axis AX, is movably supported in a
direction parallel to the z-axis. Meanwhile, as for the second lens
moving frame 6, the rotational degree of freedom within a plane
parallel to an xy plane perpendicular to the z-axis is restricted
because the guide pole 4a is passed through to the rotation
regulating section 6b.
The second lens moving frame 6 has a cam pin 8 projected towards
the outer periphery. The cam pin 8 is fixed to a specified position
of the outer peripheral surface of the second lens moving frame 6
with a screw.
The third lens moving frame 9 holds the third lens unit L3. The
third lens moving frame 9 has, near the outer periphery, a rotation
regulating section 9b which is a through-hole, and a bearing 9a
which is a through-hole extended in the direction parallel to the
optical axis AX. A guide pole 4c passes through the bearing 9a. The
guide pole 4a passes through the rotation regulating section
9b.
The bearing 9a and the guide pole 4c are coupled to each other with
a predetermined fitting accuracy. By the bearing 9a and the guide
the pole 4c, the third lens moving frame 9, while keeping a posture
with respect to the optical axis AX, is movably supported in the
direction parallel to the z-axis. Additionally, for the third lens
moving frame 9, the rotational degree of freedom within the plane
parallel to the xy plane perpendicular to the z-axis is restricted
because the guide pole 4a is passed through to the rotation
regulating section 9b.
The third lens moving frame 9 has a cam pin 10 projected towards
the outer periphery in a position of the bearing 9a. The cam pin 10
is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the third lens moving
frame 9 with a screw from a direction perpendicular to the optical
axis AX.
FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view near the bearing of the third
lens moving frame of the lens barrel according to the present
invention. In FIG. 5, the cam pin 10 of the third lens moving frame
9 has a fitting hole 10a at the tip. Incidentally, in FIG. 5, the
cam cylinder 7 is omitted in order to simplify the description.
A slider 21a of the zoom linear sensor 21 is inserted in the
fitting hole 10a. The fitting hole 10a has a circular section seen
from the outer peripheral surface. The slider 21a has a rectangular
section which is extended in the direction parallel to the optical
axis AX (a direction of the z-axis). The slider 21a is inserted in
the fitting hole 10a without gap thereinside.
FIG. 6A is a circuit diagram of the zoom linear sensor of the lens
barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Meanwhile, FIG. 6B is a graph showing an output of the zoom linear
sensor of the lens barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. The zoom linear sensor 21 is a variable
resister. In the zoom linear sensor 21, sliding the slider 21a on a
magnetic resistive element which is not shown, under a condition of
applying a predetermined voltage between a first terminal and a
third terminal causes a change in the output value outputted from a
second terminal. As can be seen from FIG. 6B, a moving stroke of
the slider 21a and the output of the second terminal have a
relation of a linear function.
When the third lens moving frame 9 moves in the direction parallel
to the optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis), the slider 21a
inserted in the cam pin 10 will move in the direction parallel to
the optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis). When the slider 21a
moves, movement of the third lens moving frame 9 can be detected
based on the output from the second terminal of the zoom linear
sensor 21. As described using FIG. 2, the third lens unit L3 moves
towards the image side in zooming from the wide angle end to the
zooming end. For this reason, detecting the movement of the third
lens moving frame 9 by the zoom linear sensor 21 will lead a
detection of a focal length of the imaging optical system L.
The fourth lens moving frame 11 holds the fourth lens unit L4. The
fourth lens moving frame 11 has a cylindrical portion for holding
the fourth lens unit L4 in the center, and other portions are of a
disc-shape perpendicular to the optical axis AX. The fourth lens
moving frame 11 has a bearing 11a and a rotation regulating section
11b, which are through-holes in specified positions of the disc.
The guide pole 4a passes through the bearing 11a. The guide pole 4b
passes through the rotation regulating section 11b. For this
reason, the fourth lens moving frame 11 is movably supported in the
direction parallel to the z-axis under a condition that rotational
degree of freedom around the z-axis is restricted.
The fourth lens moving frame 11 has a cam pin 12 projected towards
the outer periphery in a position of the bearing 11a. The cam pin
12 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the fourth lens
moving frame 11 with a screw. As described above, the lens barrel
46 according to the present embodiment is constituted such that the
guide pole 4b is passed through each of the bearings formed in the
second lens moving frame 6, the fourth lens moving frame 11, and
the fifth lens moving frame 13. Meanwhile, the lens barrel 46
according to the present embodiment is constituted such that the
guide pole 4c is passed through the bearing 9a formed in the third
lens moving frame 9.
The fifth lens moving frame 13 holds the fifth lens unit L5. The
fifth lens moving frame 13 has a cylindrical portion for holding
the fifth lens unit L5 in the center, and other sections are of a
disc-shape. The fifth lens moving frame 13 has a bearing 13a and a
rotation regulating section 13b which are through-holes, in
specified positions of the disc. The guide pole 4a passes through
the bearing 13a. The guide pole 4b passes through the rotation
regulating section 13b. For this reason, the fifth lens moving
frame 13 is movably supported in the direction parallel to the
z-axis under a condition that rotational degree of freedom around
the z-axis is restricted.
The fifth lens moving frame 13 has a rack supporting portion 14
extended in the negative direction of the y direction from the
bearing 13a. The rack supporting portion 14 has a rack 14a formed
at the tip thereof in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis). The rack 14a engages with the feed screw
15a of the aforementioned focus motor 15.
The focus motor 15 rotates based on the driving signal supplied
thereto. When the focus motor 15 rotates, rotary motion is
converted into linear motion in the direction parallel to the
optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis) by the feed screw 15a and
the rack 14a. As a result of the conversion from rotary motion into
linear motion, the fifth lens moving frame 13 moves.
Incidentally, each of the bearings formed in each of the lens
moving frames serves as an axle hole when each of the lens moving
frames moves in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX.
Since each of the lens moving frames moves while keeping a posture
in a direction parallel to the optical axis, each of the bearings
is desirably constituted such that the through-hole in the
direction parallel to the optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis)
is increased in length.
Since the lens barrel 46 is constituted such that the different
guide poles pass through the adjacent second lens moving frame 6
and the third lens moving frame 9, respectively, the through-hole
in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX (direction of the
z-axis) of the rotation regulating section can be sufficiently
increased in length. Similarly, since the different guide poles
pass through the third lens moving frame 9 and the fourth lens
moving frame 11, respectively, the through-hole in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis) of the
rotation regulating section can be sufficiently increased in
length.
The aperture stop 22 is fixed to a disc perpendicular to the
optical axis AX of the fourth lens moving frame 11. The aperture
stop 22 has an aperture blade which is not shown, an aperture drive
motor 22a, a shutter blade which is not shown, and a shutter drive
motor 22b.
The aperture drive motor 22a drives the aperture blade by rotating
based on an externally supplied driving signal. The aperture blade
is constituted so that an aperture diameter may be changed by being
driven. An aperture of the imaging optical system L is changed by
operation of the aperture blade.
The shutter drive motor 22b drives the shutter blade by rotating
based on an externally supplied driving signal. By being driven,
the shutter blade performs a series of operations of putting an
optical path of the imaging optical system in the states of from
un-release through release to un-release again at intervals of a
predetermined time.
The cam cylinder 7 is rotatably supported around the optical axis
AX because specified positions of its outer peripheral surface and
an inner peripheral surface of the first lens unit fixing frame 3
fit in each other with a predetermined accuracy. The cam cylinder 7
includes three of a cam groove 17, a cam groove 18, and a cam
groove 19, which pass through the inner peripheral surface and the
outer peripheral surface.
The cam groove 17 couples with the cam pin 8 provided in the second
lens moving frame 6. The cam groove 18 couples with the cam pin 10
provided in the third lens moving frame 9. The cam groove 19
couples with the cam pin 12 provided in the fourth lens moving
frame 11.
FIG. 7 is a developed view of the cam cylinder of the lens barrel
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
7, the lower side of the paper corresponds to the direction of the
object side of the optical axis AX (positive direction of the
z-axis).
One end 17a of the cam groove 17 corresponds to a position of the
wide angle end of the second lens unit L2. One end 18a of the cam
groove 18 corresponds to a position of the wide angle end of the
third lens unit L3. One end 19a of the cam groove 19 corresponds to
a position of the wide angle end of the fourth lens unit L4.
The other end 17b of the cam groove 17 corresponds to a position of
the zooming end of the second lens unit L2. The other end 18b of
the cam groove 18 corresponds to a position of the zooming end of
the third lens unit L3. The other end of the cam groove 19
corresponds to a position of the zooming end of the fourth lens
unit L4.
Ranges of from the end 17a to the end 17b of the cam groove 17,
from the end 18a to the end 18b of the cam groove 18, and from the
end 18a to the end 18b of the cam groove 18 all correspond to a
center angle of about 100 degrees in the outer peripheral surface
of the cam cylinder 7.
The ring washer 23 is arranged between the cam cylinder 7 and the
first lens unit fixing frame 3. The ring washer 23 is a plate
spring having a cylindrical shape made from stainless steel. The
ring washer 23 energizes the cam cylinder 7 towards the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX by being compressed towards the
direction parallel to the optical axis AX in a space between the
cam cylinder 7 and the first lens unit fixing frame 3.
Each of the cam grooves is formed so that each of the lens unit may
move according to a configuration of the imaging optical system,
which has been described using FIG. 2. Hence, the second lens unit
L2, the third lens unit L3, and the fourth lens unit L4 move to
positions corresponding to respective focal lengths by rotating the
cam cylinder 7.
The cam cylinder 7 has a cam cylinder wheel pin 20. The cam
cylinder wheel pin 20 is fixed with a screw to the outer peripheral
surface of the cam cylinder 7 towards the direction perpendicular
to the optical axis AX. The cam cylinder wheel pin 20 projects to
an outer peripheral surface of the lens unit 2 from the opening 3a
formed in the first lens fixing frame 3.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the filter mount and the
ring unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, the filter mount 29 has a
cylindrical shape. In the filter mount 29, a female screw for
attaching an optical filter, such as a polarizing filter, a
protection filter, or the like, and a conversion lens is formed in
the positive direction of the z-axis (object side).
The filter mount 29 is fixed to a first ring fixing frame 27 of a
zoom ring unit 28, which will be hereinafter described, with three
fixing screws 30 from the direction of the object side of the
optical axis AX (positive direction of the z-axis). A decoration
ring 31 is adhered with a double-faced adhesive tape from the
direction of the object side of the optical axis AX (positive
direction of the z-axis) so that the fixing screws 30 may not be
visible from the user.
In FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, the ring unit 25 includes the zoom ring unit
28 and a manual ring unit 45. The zoom ring unit 28 has the zoom
ring 26 and the first ring fixing frame 27. Both of the zoom ring
26 and the first ring fixing frame 27 are of a cylindrical shape.
The zoom ring 26 has three convex portions 26a in an inner
periphery. The first ring fixing frame 27 has a flange portion
which has three concave portions 27a in an outer periphery, and
three screw holes 27b. The three screw holes 27b are formed in an
end face on the side of the positive direction of the z-axis
(object side).
In a state where three convex portions 26a of the zoom ring 26, and
the concave portion 27a of the first ring fixing frame 27 are
aligned with each other, the zoom ring 26 is inserted in the first
ring fixing frame 27 from the image side in the direction parallel
to the optical axis AX (negative direction of the z-axis).
Subsequently, by rotating the zoom ring 26 around the optical axis
AX, the zoom ring 26 is rotatably held around the optical axis AX
with respect to the first ring fixing frame 27, while being
restricted to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis).
Moreover, a protruding portion 26b with bifurcated shape, which is
illustrated only in FIG. 3, arranged on the circumference is
provided in an inner peripheral surface of the zoom ring 26. The
protruding portion 26b with bifurcated shape couples with the cam
cylinder wheel pin 20 which is fixed to the cam cylinder 7 so that
the both sides of the cam cylinder wheel pin 20 may be inserted
therein. In addition, as for the zoom ring 26, focal lengths of the
imaging optical system are indicated on an outer peripheral surface
thereof.
The manual ring unit 45 has a second ring fixing frame 38, the
focus ring 32, a third ring fixing frame 36, the aperture ring 40,
and a fourth ring fixing frame 44. The manual ring unit 45 holds
other members by using the third ring fixing frame 36 as a frame.
The third ring fixing frame 36 has a sliding surface 36c, a sliding
surface 36e, and an end face 36d in an outer peripheral surface.
Additionally, as for the third ring fixing frame 36, a locking part
36a is formed in an inner peripheral surface, and three concave
portions 36f are formed in the outer peripheral surface.
The sliding surface 36c is formed in the outer peripheral surface
on the object side (positive direction of the z-axis) of the third
ring fixing frame 36 in the direction parallel to the optical axis
AX. The sliding surface 36e is formed in the outer peripheral
surface on the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) of the
third ring fixing frame 36 in the direction parallel to the optical
axis AX. The end face 36d is a plane parallel to the xy plane
formed in a boundary between the sliding surface 36c and the
sliding surface 36e.
The third ring fixing frame 36 fixes a focus linear sensor 35 and
an aperture linear sensor 41 to the bottom of the outer peripheral
surface. The focus linear sensor 35 and the aperture linear sensor
41 are variable resistors which are composed of the same circuit
configuration as that of the zoom linear sensor 21 described
previously.
The focus linear sensor 35 has a slider 35a. The slider 35a is a
slider which slides on a magnetic resistance, and projects towards
the outer periphery. The aperture linear sensor 41 has the slider
35a. A slider 41a is a slider which slides on a magnetic
resistance, and projects towards the outer periphery.
The second ring fixing frame 38 is of a cylindrical shape. A
locking part 38a, a positioning part 38b, and an end face 38c are
provided in the second ring fixing frame 38.
The focus ring 32 is of a cylindrical shape. FIG. 9A is a developed
view of an outer peripheral surface of the focus ring in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 9B is a
developed view of an inner peripheral surface of the focus ring in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A, object distances are indicated on the outer
peripheral surface of the focus ring 32. An indication area of the
object distances is divided into four areas. In FIG. 9A, an
indicating portion of [0.3] to [0.6] corresponds to a macro
shooting area where a manual operation of the focus ring 32 is
allowed. In addition, an indicating portion of [0.6] to [.infin.]
corresponds to a normal shooting area where the manual operation of
the focus ring 32 is allowed. Moreover, an indicating portion of
[AF] corresponds to the normal shooting area where the manual
operation of the focus ring 32 is prevented. Furthermore, an
indicating portion of [AF-Macro] corresponds to the macro shooting
area where the manual operation of the focus ring 32 is prevented.
In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9B, the focus ring 32 has a linear cam groove 34
in the inner peripheral surface. The cam groove 34 couples with the
slider 35a of the focus linear sensor 35.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling between the
focus ring and the focus linear sensor in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the cam groove 34
formed in the focus ring 32 couples with the slider 35a of the
focus linear sensor 35. The inner peripheral surface of the focus
ring 32 is fitted into the sliding surface 36c of the third ring
fixing frame 36 to thereby be held. The focus ring 32 is restricted
to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX (direction
of the z-axis) by the end face 38c of the second ring fixing frame
38, and the end face 36d of the third ring fixing frame 36. The
second ring fixing frame 38 is fixed to the third ring fixing frame
36. According to this configuration, the focus ring 32 is rotatably
held around the optical axis AX.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relation between an angle of rotation
of the focus ring, and an output value of the focus linear sensor
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
9 and FIG. 10, when a character [0.3] indicated on the focus ring
32 is located in an angle coincident with the indicator 33, the
slider 35a of the focus linear sensor 35 is in a position of A on
the cam groove 34. In this case, the output value of the focus
linear sensor 35 will be A'.
When a character [0.6] indicated on the focus ring 32 is located in
the angle coincident with the indicator 33, the slider 35a of the
focus linear sensor 35 is in a position of B on the cam groove 34.
In that case, the output value of the focus linear sensor 35 will
be B'. When a character [.infin.] indicated on the focus ring 32 is
located in the angle coincident with the indicator 33, the slider
35a of the focus linear sensor 35 is in a position of C on the cam
groove 34. In that case, the output value of the focus linear
sensor 35 will be C'. When a character [AF] indicated on the focus
ring 32 is located in the angle coincident with the indicator 33,
the slider 35a of the focus linear sensor 35 is in a position of D
on the cam groove 34. In that case, the output value of the focus
linear sensor 35 will be D'. When a character [AF-Macro] indicated
on the focus ring 32 is located in the angle coincident with the
indicator 33, the slider 35a of the focus linear sensor 35 is in a
position of E on the cam groove 34. In this case, the output value
of the focus linear sensor 35 will be E'.
As described above, the focus linear sensor 35 indicates the output
which corresponds one-to-one to the angle of rotation of the focus
ring 32. Thus, the angle of rotation of the focus ring 32 can be
detected. The focus linear sensor 35 supplies a focus position
signal in accordance with the angle of rotation as a voltage
change.
The focus ring 32 has the focus mode switching button 37 in the
outer peripheral surface. FIG. 14A is a schematic sectional view
when the focus ring in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention is in a first stop position. Further, FIG. 14B is
a schematic sectional view when the focus ring in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention is between the first stop
position and a second stop position. Still further, FIG. 14C is a
schematic sectional view when the focus ring in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention is in the second stop
position.
Incidentally, in the figures, reference numerals represented in
parentheses correspond to the case of describing a structure of the
aperture ring 40, so that these may be ignored in the description
relevant to a structure of the focus ring 32. In addition, in FIG.
14A through FIG. 14C, symbol (1) is a schematic sectional view cut
at a plane which passes through the center of the focus mode
switching button 37 and includes the optical axis AX. Meanwhile, in
FIG. 14A through FIG. 14C, symbol (2) is a schematic sectional view
cut at a plane which passes through the center of the focus mode
switching button 37 and is perpendicular to the optical axis AX (xy
plane).
A direction shown by an arrowhead K in the figures represents a
rotational direction around the optical axis AX. In the focus ring
32, the first stop position corresponds to a position of the
character [.infin.] shown in FIG. 9A. Additionally, in the focus
ring 32, the second stop position corresponds to a position of the
character [AF] shown in FIG. 9A.
The focus mode switching button 37 is located in a cave 32a of the
focus ring 32. There is provided a compression spring 39 between
the focus mode switching button 37 and the focus ring 32. The focus
mode switching button 37 is movable in directions indicated by an
arrowhead J in the figures by actions of the compression spring
while being energized towards the outer periphery of the focus ring
32. The focus mode switching button 37 has a locking part 37a
projected in the direction of the optical axis AX, in a portion
hidden inside the focus ring 32.
In FIG. 14A, when the focus ring 32 reaches the first stop
position, the locking part 37a of the focus mode switching button
37 will come into contact with the locking part 38a provided in the
second ring fixing frame 38. As a result, unless the focus mode
switching button 37 is operated, a rotation of the focus ring 32 in
a direction of K will be prevented.
When the focus ring 32 is in the first stop position, if the focus
mode switching button 37 is depressed to be further rotated in the
direction of K, the locking part 37a of the focus mode switching
button 37 will be depressed inwardly.
A space through which the locking part 37a of the focus mode
switching button 37 can pass is formed inside the locking part 38a
formed in the second ring fixing frame 38. As a result, when being
depressed and further rotated in the direction of K, the focus mode
switching button 37 is allowed to rotate in the direction of K to
advance between the first stop position and the second stop
position as shown in FIG. 14B.
When the focus mode switching button 37 is further rotated in the
direction of K while being depressed, the locking part 37a of the
focus mode switching button 37 is allowed to rotate in the
direction of K, and reaches the second stop position shown in FIG.
14C. When depressing the focus mode switching button 37 is stopped
at the second stop position, the focus mode switching button 37
will be returned to an original position by the compression
spring.
When the focus mode switching button 37 returns to an original
state, the locking part 37a of the focus mode switching button 37
comes into contact with the locking part 38a provided in the second
ring fixing frame 38. As a result, unless the focus mode switching
button 37 is operated, the rotation of the focus ring 32 in a
reverse direction will be prevented. In rotating in the reverse
direction of the direction of K, what is necessary is to rotate the
focus mode switching button 37 to the first stop position in the
reverse direction of the direction of K while depressing it at the
second stop position, and just to stop depressing it at the first
stop position.
V shape grooves 32d and 32e are formed in the inner peripheral
surface of the focus ring 32. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for
explaining actions resulted from the rotating operation of the
focus ring 32. In FIG. 20, the third ring fixing frame 36 is
provided with a hole 36g, a click ball 48 provided in the hole 36g,
and a compression spring 47 which energizes the click ball 48 in
the outer peripheral direction.
In order to produce a click feeling when the character of [AF] in
the case of the V shape groove 32d, and the character of [AF-Macro]
in the case of the V shape groove 32e are aligned with the
indicator 33, respectively, it is constituted so that the click
ball 48 may be aligned with the V shape grooves 32e and 32d to
thereby produce the click feeling.
In a state of a manual focus shooting area shown in FIG. 20A, an
inner peripheral surface 32b provided in the focus ring 32, and the
click ball 48 to which an energizing force S of the compression
spring 47 is applied, move slidingly. Hence, in manually rotating
the focus ring 32, it is rotated in a state where a certain load is
applied.
In a state of an auto focus shooting area shown in FIG. 20B, the
click ball 48 to which an energizing force T of the compression
spring 47 is applied moves slidingly on an inner peripheral surface
32c provided in the focus ring 32. At this time, since a radius of
the inner peripheral surface 32c is smaller than that of the inner
peripheral surface 32b, the energizing force T of the compression
spring 47 becomes larger than the energizing force S.
As a result, in the auto focus shooting area, in manually operating
the focus ring 32 in a rotational manner, a rotational load of the
auto focus shooting area becomes heavier than that of the manual
focus area. Thus, the rotational load can be set differently
between the manual focus shooting area and the auto focus shooting
area.
Setting the rotational load differently between the manual focus
shooting area and the auto focus shooting area makes it possible
for the user to determine which area is being used based on the
difference in the rotational load even in operating the focus ring
32 without watching it.
Moreover, in a state where the character [AF-Macro] and the
indicator 33 are aligned with each other as shown in FIG. 20C, the
click ball 48 falls in the V shape groove 32e, and similarly, in a
state where the character [AF] and the indicator 33 are aligned
with each other, the click ball 48 falls in the V shape groove 32d.
Hence, the user can obtain a click feeling when manually operating
it in a rotational manner. Moreover, as a result of increasing the
rotational load during the shift between the character [AF] and the
character [AF-Macro], it does not shift to a different mode,
against the user's intention, resulted from the careless rotation
of the focus ring 32, thus making it possible to provide the manual
ring excellent in operability.
The aperture ring 40 is of a cylindrical shape. The aperture ring
40 has three convex portions 40b in an inner peripheral surface on
the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) of the optical
axis AX. FIG. 12A is a development of an outer peripheral surface
of the aperture ring in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, while FIG. 12B is a developed view of the inner
peripheral surface of the aperture ring in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention. Note herein that the convex
portions 40b are omitted in the development.
In FIG. 8 and FIG. 12A, the apertures are indicated on the outer
peripheral surface of the aperture ring 40. The indication area of
the aperture is divided into two areas. In FIG. 12A, indicating
portions of [2] to [11] correspond to a manual area. Meanwhile, in
FIG. 12A, an indicating portion of [A] corresponds to an auto
area.
In FIG. 8 and FIG. 12B, the aperture ring 40 has a linear cam
groove 42 in the inner peripheral surface. The cam groove 42
couples with the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41. The
inner peripheral surface of the aperture ring 40 is fitted into the
sliding surface 36e of the third ring fixing frame 36 to thereby be
held. The three convex portions 40b provided in the inner periphery
thereof and the three concave portions 36f provided in an outer
periphery of the third ring fixing frame 36 are coupled with each
other to restrict the aperture ring 40 to move in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis).
According to this configuration, the aperture ring 40 is rotatably
held around the optical axis AX.
FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relation between the angle of rotation
of the aperture ring, and an output value of the aperture linear
sensor in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, when the character [2] indicated on the
aperture ring 40 is located in the angle coincident with the
indicator 33, the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41 is in
a position of P on the cam groove 42. In that case, the output
value of the aperture linear sensor 41 will be P'.
When a character [2.8] indicated on the aperture ring 40 is located
in the angle coincident with the indicator 33, the slider 41a of
the aperture linear sensor 41 is in a position of Q on the cam
groove 42. In that case, the output value of the aperture linear
sensor 41 will be Q'. Similarly, when a character [4] indicated on
the aperture ring 40 is located in the angle coincident with the
indicator 33, the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41 is in
a position of R on the cam groove 42. In that case, the output
value of the aperture linear sensor 41 will be R'. Still similarly,
when a character [5.6] indicated on the aperture ring 40 is located
in the angle coincident with the indicator 33, the slider 41a of
the aperture linear sensor 41 is in a position of S on the cam
groove 42. In that case, the output value of the aperture linear
sensor 41 will be S'. Still similarly, when a character [8]
indicated on the aperture ring 40 is located in the angle
coincident with the indicator 33, the slider 41a of the aperture
linear sensor 41 is in a position of T on the cam groove 42. In
that case, the output value of the aperture linear sensor 41 will
be T'. Still similarly, when a character [11] indicated on the
aperture ring 40 is located in the angle coincident with the
indicator 33, the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41 is in
a position of U on the cam groove 42. In that case, the output
value of the aperture linear sensor 41 will be U'. Still similarly,
when the character [A] indicated on the aperture ring 40 is located
in the angle coincident with the indicator 33, the slider 41a of
the aperture linear sensor 41 is in a position of Von the cam
groove 42. In that case, the output value of the aperture linear
sensor 41 will be V'.
As described above, the aperture linear sensor 41 indicates the
output which corresponds one-to-one to the angle of rotation of the
aperture ring 40. Thus, the angle of rotation of the aperture ring
40 can be detected. The aperture linear sensor 41 supplies an
aperture signal in accordance with the angle of rotation as a
voltage change.
The aperture ring 40 has the aperture mode switching button 43 in
the outer peripheral surface. A structure of the aperture mode
switching button 43 is the same as that of the focus mode switching
button 37 described previously. Hence, description thereof will be
made using FIG. 14A through FIG. 14B.
It should be noted herein that a first stop position in the
aperture ring 40 is a position corresponding to the character [11]
in FIG. 12A, whereas a second stop position in the aperture ring 40
is a position corresponding to the character [A] in FIG. 12A.
In FIG. 14A, when the aperture ring 40 reaches the first stop
position, a locking part 43a of the aperture mode switching button
43 will come into contact with the locking part 36a provided in the
third ring fixing frame 36. As a result, unless the aperture mode
switching button 43 is operated, a rotation of the aperture ring 40
in the direction of K will be prevented.
When the aperture ring 40 is in the first stop position, if the
aperture mode switching button 43 is depressed to be further
rotated in the direction of K, the locking part 43a of the aperture
mode switching button 43 will be depressed inwardly. A space
through which the locking part 43a of the aperture mode switching
button 43 can pass is formed inside the locking part 36a formed in
the third ring fixing frame 36. As a result, when being depressed
and further rotated in the direction of K, the aperture mode
switching button 43 is allowed to rotate in the direction of K to
thereby advance between the first stop position and the second stop
position as shown in FIG. 14B.
When the aperture mode switching button 43 is further rotated in
the direction of K while being depressed, the locking part 43a of
the aperture mode switching button 43 is allowed to rotate in the
direction of K, and reaches the second stop position as shown in
FIG. 14C. When depressing the aperture mode switching button 43 is
stopped at the second stop position, the aperture mode switching
button 43 will be returned to an original position by the
compression spring.
When the aperture mode switching button 43 returns to an original
state, the locking part 43a of the aperture mode switching button
43 will come into contact with the locking part 36a provided in the
third ring fixing frame 36. As a result, unless the aperture mode
switching button 43 is operated, the rotation of the aperture ring
40 in a reverse direction will be prevented. In rotating in the
reverse direction of the direction of K, what is necessary is to
rotate the aperture mode switching button 43 to the first stop
position in the reverse direction of the direction of K while
depressing it at the second stop position, and just to stop
depressing it at the first stop position.
The manual ring unit 45 is coupled with the lens unit 2 in a
following manner. The inner peripheral surface of the third ring
fixing frame 36 is supported by the rib 3f provided in an outer
periphery of the first lens unit fixing frame 3 of the lens unit 2.
The rib 3e provided in the first lens unit fixing frame 3 and the
positioning part 38b provided in the second ring fixing frame come
into contact with each other, so that the manual ring unit 45 is
restricted to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis).
Meanwhile, the fourth ring fixing frame 44 of the manual ring unit
45 is fixed to the master flange 5 with a screw. The fourth ring
fixing frame 44 energizes an end face on the image side (negative
direction of the z-axis) of the direction parallel to the optical
axis AX of the third ring fixing frame 36 towards the object side
(positive direction of the z-axis) in the direction parallel to the
optical axis AX. As a result, the manual ring unit 45 is fixed to
the lens unit 2.
Actions of the lens barrel 46 constituted as above will now be
described.
When the zoom ring 26 is rotationally operated, rotary motion will
be transmitted to the cam cylinder 7 by the cam cylinder wheel pin
20 connected with the zoom ring 26.
When the cam cylinder 7 rotates around the optical axis AX, the cam
pin 8 will be guided to the cam groove 17, and the second lens
moving frame 6 will move in the direction parallel to the optical
axis AX. Moreover, when the cam cylinder 7 rotates around the
optical axis AX, the cam pin 10 will be guided to the cam groove
18, and the third lens moving frame 9 will move in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX. Moreover, when the cam cylinder 7
rotates around the optical axis AX, the cam pin 12 will be guided
to the cam groove 19, and the fourth lens moving frame 11 will move
in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX.
When the third lens moving frame 9 moves in the direction parallel
to the optical axis AX, the zoom linear sensor 21 will detect the
movement of the third lens moving frame 9 and outputs a focal
length signal. In the focus ring 32, there are states, according to
a rotation position, where a manual rotating operation is allowed,
and where the manual rotating operation is prevented. When the
indicator 33 of the focus ring 32 is coincident with the indicating
portions of [0.3] to [0.6], or the indicating portions of [0.6] to
[.infin.] in FIG. 9A, the manual rotating operation thereof is
allowed.
When the focus ring 32 is rotationally operated in a state where
the rotation of the focus ring 32 is allowed, the focus linear
sensor 35 will output the focus position signal according to the
angle of rotation. In a control system which will be hereinafter
described, the driving signal for driving the focus motor 15 is
generated based on the focus position signal. The focus motor 15 is
rotated by the driving signal. When the focus motor 15 rotates,
rotary motion thereof will be converted into linear motion by the
feed screw 15a and the rack 14a, so that the fifth lens moving
frame 13 will move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis).
When the indicator 33 of the focus ring 32 is coincident with the
indicating portion of [AF], or the indicating portion of [AF-Macro]
in FIG. 9A, the manual rotation thereof is prevented. In a state
where the rotation of the focus ring 32 is prevented, since the
focus ring 32 does not rotate, the fifth lens moving frame 13 does
not move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis), either. In order to shift the state
where the rotation of the focus ring 32 is allowed to the state
where the rotation thereof is prevented, the focus ring 32 is
rotationally operated while depressing the focus mode switching
button 37 provided in the focus ring 32.
When the focus ring 32 is rotationally operated while depressing
the focus mode switching button 37, as described using FIG. 14A
through FIG. 14C, the focus ring 32 will rotate beyond a position
which is a locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident
with the indication of the character [.infin.]. Subsequently, when
the focus mode switching button 37 is released, the focus ring 32
is locked in a position which is a next locking position where the
indicator 33 is coincident with the indication of the character
[AF]. On the contrary, in order to shift the state where the
rotation of the focus ring 32 is prevented to the state where the
rotation thereof is allowed, the focus ring 32 is rotated while
similarly depressing the focus mode switching button 37 provided in
the focus ring 32.
When the focus ring 32 is rotationally operated while depressing
the focus mode switching button 37, as described using FIG. 14A
through FIG. 14C, the focus ring 32 will rotate beyond a position
which is a locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident
with the indication of the character [AF]. Subsequently, when the
focus mode switching button 37 is released, the focus ring 32 will
be in a state where the manual rotating operation is allowed. The
focus ring 32, however, does not rotate beyond the position which
is the locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident with
the indication of the character [.infin.].
In the aperture ring 40, there are states, according to a rotation
position, where a manual rotating operation is allowed, and where
the manual rotating operation is prevented. When the indicator 33
of the aperture ring 40 is coincident with the indicating portions
of [2] to [11] in FIG. 12A, the manual rotating operation thereof
is allowed.
When the aperture ring 40 is rotationally operated in a state where
the rotation of the aperture ring 40 is allowed, the aperture
linear sensor 41 will output the aperture signal in according to
the angle of rotation. In the control system which will be
hereinafter described, the driving signal for driving the aperture
drive motor 22b is generated based on the aperture signal. The
aperture drive motor 22b is rotated by the driving signal. When the
aperture drive motor 22b rotates, the aperture blade is driven, and
the aperture of the imaging optical system L will be changed by the
operation of the aperture blade.
When the indicator 33 of the aperture ring 40 is coincident with
the indicating portion of [A] in FIG. 12A, the manual rotating
operation thereof is prevented. In a state where the rotation of
the aperture ring 40 is prevented, since the aperture ring 40 does
not rotate, the aperture blade is driven by the manual rotating
operation, and the aperture is not changed. In order to shift the
state where the rotation of the aperture ring 40 is allowed to the
state where the rotation thereof is prevented, the aperture ring 40
is rotated while depressing the aperture mode switching button 43
provided in the aperture ring 40.
When the aperture ring 40 is rotated while depressing the aperture
mode switching button 43, as described using FIG. 14A through FIG.
14C, the aperture ring 40 will rotate beyond a position which is a
locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident with the
indication of the character [11]. Subsequently, when the aperture
mode switching button 43 is released, the aperture ring 40 is
locked in a position which is a next locking position where the
indicator 33 is coincident with the indication of the character
[A].
On the contrary, in order to shift the state where the rotation of
the aperture ring 40 is prevented to the state where the rotation
thereof is allowed, the aperture ring 40 is rotated while similarly
depressing the aperture mode switching button 43 provided in the
aperture ring 40.
When the aperture ring 40 is rotated while depressing the aperture
mode switching button 43, as described using FIG. 14A through 14C,
the aperture ring 40 will rotate beyond a position which is a
locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident with the
indication of the character [A]. Subsequently, when the aperture
mode switching button 43 is released, the aperture ring 40 will be
in a state where the manual rotating operation is allowed. The
aperture ring 40, however, does not rotate beyond the position
which is the locking position where the indicator 33 is coincident
with the indication of the character [11].
Meanwhile, a V shape groove line 40c is formed in the inner
peripheral surface of the aperture ring 40 so that the user may
have the click feeling when the characters of [2.8], [4], [5.6],
[8], [11], and [A] are coincident with the indicator 33. Moreover,
a hole 36h for housing a compression spring and a click ball
(neither is shown) is provided in the outer periphery of the third
ring fixing frame 36 so as to correspond to the V shape groove line
40c. These actions are similar to the operation between the V shape
groove 32d and the V shape groove 32e of the focus ring 32, and the
click ball 48, which has been described previously using FIG.
20.
Next, an assembly method of the lens barrel 46 in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15
is a sectional view explaining the assembly method of the lens
barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the assembly method of the
lens barrel in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
The lens barrel 46 is assembled according to the steps of assembly
of respective units (STEP1), attachment of the zoom ring unit 28
(STEP2), attachment of the manual ring unit 45 (STEP3), and
attachment of the filter mount 29 (STEP4).
First, the lens unit 2, the zoom ring unit 28, and the manual ring
unit 45 are assembled (STEP1). Hereinafter, an assembly method
particularly of the zoom ring unit 28 and the manual ring unit 45
will be described.
The zoom ring unit 28 is assembled in a following manner. In a
state where three convex portions 26a of the zoom ring 26, and the
concave portion 27a of the first ring fixing frame 27 are aligned
with each other, the zoom ring 26 is coupled with the first ring
fixing frame 27 from the image side in the direction parallel to
the optical axis AX (negative direction of the z-axis). According
to this configuration, the zoom ring 26 rotates with respect to the
first ring fixing frame 27. The zoom ring unit 28 is assembled in
the manner described above.
The manual ring unit 45 is assembled in a following manner. First,
the focus linear sensor 35 and the aperture linear sensor 41 are
fixed to third ring frame 36 with a screw from the outer peripheral
surface in a predetermined position. The focus ring 32 is inserted
in the third ring fixing frame 36 from the object side (positive
direction of the z-axis) in the direction parallel to the optical
axis AX. Upon inserting the focus ring 32, the slider 35a of the
focus linear sensor 35 is inserted along with a fluting 34a. The
flutings 34a are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the
focus ring 32 following to an end of the cam groove 34 in the
direction parallel to the optical axis AX (direction of the
z-axis). When the focus ring 32 is inserted in the third ring
fixing frame 36, a sliding surface of the inner periphery of the
focus ring 32, and the sliding surfaces 36c provided in the outer
periphery of third ring fixing frame 36 are slidingly fitted to
each other, so that the focus ring 32 will become rotatable with
respect to the center of the optical axis.
After inserting the focus ring 32, the second ring fixing frame 38
is fixed to the third ring fixing frame 36 with a screw from the
object side (positive direction of the z-axis) parallel to the
optical axis AX. As a result of being fixed, the focus ring 32 is
restricted to move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis) by the end face 36d of the third ring
fixing frame 36, and the end face 38c of the second fixing ring.
Next, the aperture ring 40 is inserted in the third ring fixing
frame 36 from the image side (negative direction of the z-axis)
parallel to the optical axis AX. Upon inserting the aperture ring
40, the slider 41a of the aperture linear sensor 41 is inserted
along with a fluting 42a. The flutings 42a are formed in the inner
peripheral surface of the aperture ring 40 following to an end of
the cam groove 42 in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(direction of the z-axis). When the aperture ring 40 is inserted in
the third ring fixing frame 36, a sliding surface 40a of the inner
periphery of the aperture ring 40, and the sliding surfaces 36c
provided in the outer periphery of third fixing ring 36 are
slidingly fitted to each other, so that the aperture ring 40 will
become rotatable with respect to the center of the optical
axis.
Simultaneously, the three convex portions 40b provided in the inner
periphery of the aperture ring 40, and the three concave portions
36f provided in the outer periphery of the third ring fixing frame
36 are coupled with each other to thereby restrict the aperture
ring 40 to move in a thrust direction. As a result of coupling them
together, it is restricted to move in the direction parallel to the
optical axis AX (direction of the z-axis). The manual ring unit 45
is assembled in the manner described above (foregoing processes are
including in STEP1).
Next, the assembled zoom ring unit 28 is attached to the lens unit
2 (STEP2). The assembled zoom ring unit 28 is inserted in the lens
unit 2 from the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) in
the direction parallel to the optical axis AX. At this time, it is
inserted until a positioning part 27c of the first ring fixing
frame 27 comes into contact with the rib 3c of the first lens unit
fixing frame 3. Both sides of the cam cylinder wheel pin 20 are
disposed between the protruding portions 26b with bifurcated shape
provided in the inner periphery of the zoom ring 26, and are
coupled together. The zoom ring unit 28 is attached to the lens
unit 2 in the manner as described above (foregoing processes are
included in STEP2).
Next, the assembled manual ring unit 45 is attached to the lens
unit 2 (STEP3). The assembled manual ring unit 45 is inserted in
the lens unit 2 from the image side (negative direction of the
z-axis) in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX. At this
time, it is inserted until the positioning part 38b formed in the
second ring fixing frame 38 of the manual ring unit 45 comes into
contact with the rib 3e provided in the first lens unit fixing
frame 3. At this time, the inner periphery of the third ring fixing
frame 36 is supported by a plurality of positioning ribs 3f
provided in the outer periphery of the first lens unit fixing frame
3. Further, the fourth ring fixing frame 44 is inserted in the lens
unit 2 from the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) in
the direction parallel to the optical axis AX. The fourth ring
fixing frame 44 is fixed to the master flange 5 with a screw from
the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX. At this time, an end face 36b on
the image side (negative direction of the z-axis) in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX of third ring fixing frame 36 is in
contact with an end face 44a on the object side (positive direction
of the z-axis) in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX of
the fourth ring fixing frame 44 (foregoing processes are included
in STEP3).
Finally, the filter mount 29 is attached to the lens unit 2
(STEP4). The filter mount 29 is attached to the lens unit 2 from
the object side (positive direction of the z-axis) in the direction
parallel to the optical axis AX. The filter mount 29 is inserted
until an end face 29c thereof comes into contact with the rib 3d
provided in the first lens unit fixing frame 3. The filter mount 29
is attached to the first ring fixing frame 27 so as for the ribs 3d
and 3e to be disposed therebetween. The filter mount 29 is fixed to
the first ring fixing frame 27 with the screw 30. Next, the
decoration ring 31 is fixed to the filter mount 29 with the
double-faced adhesive tape. The screw 30 is hidden by attaching the
decoration ring 31, As a result, external beauties of the digital
camera are increased (foregoing processes are included in
STEP4).
As described above, according to the imaging device of the present
invention, it is possible to evaluate the imaging optical system
without decomposing the imaging optical system of the lens unit
even before the ring unit is attached. Moreover, even if the ring
unit is damaged or deteriorated, the ring units can be exchanged
without decomposing the imaging optical system.
Moreover, according to the imaging device of the present invention,
since the filter mount is attachable and detachable in a state
where the imaging optical system of the lens unit can form the
optical image of the object, even if the filter mount is damaged or
deteriorated, the filter mount can be exchanged without decomposing
the imaging optical system.
Moreover, according to the assembly method of the lens barrel of
the present invention, since there is a process of assembling the
ring unit after a process of assembling the lens unit, it is
possible to evaluate the imaging optical system even before the
ring unit is attached.
Moreover, according to the assembly method of the lens barrel of
the present invention, since there is a process of assembling the
filter mount after the process of assembling the lens unit, it is
possible to evaluate the imaging optical system even before the
filter mount is attached.
Moreover, since the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention is provided with the focus ring
32 which is manually operated in a rotational manner in order to
move the fifth lens unit L5, and the focus mode switching button 37
integrally provided in the focus ring 32, the user does not need to
take a hand off from the focus ring 32 when changing the focus
mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in
operability for the user.
Since the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention is provided with the focus ring 32 which is
manually operated in a rotational manner in order to move the focus
lens unit, and the focus mode switching button 37 integrally
provided in the focus ring 32, the focus mode setting and the
manual focusing can be made only by the operation of the focus ring
32. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in
operability for the user.
In the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the output of the focus linear sensor 35
changes corresponding to the angle of rotation of the focus ring
32, the rotating operation of the focus ring 32 serves two
functions, namely, a function as an operating member for performing
manual focusing, and a function as a switch for switching the focus
mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the lens barrel excellent in
operability for the user. Moreover, since it also serves as the
switch, a reduction in parts can be achieved.
In the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, the focus ring 32 has a range where the manual
rotation is allowed, and a specific position where the manual
rotation is prevented, and has a stop position in rotating from the
range where the manual rotation is allowed to the specific position
where the manual rotation prevented. The lens barrel 46 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention does not
rotate from the range where the manual rotation is allowed to the
specific position where the manual rotation is prevented unless the
focus mode switching button 37 is operated in this stop position,
so that it may not be accidentally operated.
Moreover, since the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention is provided with the aperture
ring 40 which is manually operated in a rotational manner in order
to change the aperture, and the aperture mode switching button 43
integrally provided in the aperture ring 40, the user does not need
to take a hand off from the aperture ring 40 when changing an
aperture mode among exposure setting modes. Thus, it is possible to
provide the lens barrel excellent in operability for the user.
Since the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention is provided with the aperture ring 40 which is
manually operated in a rotational manner in order to drive the
aperture stop 22, and the aperture mode switching button 43
integrally provided in the aperture ring 40, a setting of the
aperture mode and a manual change of the aperture can be made only
by the operation of the aperture ring 40. Thus, it is possible to
provide the lens barrel excellent in operability for the user.
In the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the output of the aperture linear sensor
41 changes corresponding to the angle of rotation of the aperture
ring 40, the rotating operation of the aperture ring 40 serves two
functions, namely, the function as the operating member for
manually setting the aperture, and a function as a switch for
switching the aperture mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the
lens barrel excellent in operability for the user. Moreover, since
it also serves as the switch, a reduction in parts can be
achieved.
Moreover, in the lens barrel 46 in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention, the aperture ring 40 has a range where
the manual rotation is allowed, and a specific position where the
manual rotation prevented, and has a stop position in rotating from
the range where the manual rotation is allowed to the specific
position where the manual rotation prevented. The lens barrel 46 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention does not
rotate from the range where the manual rotation is allowed to the
specific position where the manual rotation is prevented unless the
aperture mode switching button 43 is operated in this stop
position, so that it may not be accidentally operated.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the
digital camera in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 17, a whole block shows a control of the digital
camera 1. Note herein that in FIG. 17, a range surrounded by the
dotted line represents the imaging device TL. The microcomputer 49,
which controls whole various controllers, is incorporated in the
digital camera 1.
The microcomputer 49 can receive signals from a zoom controller 60,
the shutter button 64, and the shutter speed setting dial 65. The
microcomputer 49 can send signals to a shutter controller 63, an
image recording controller 55, an image display controller 58, and
a voice controller 59. The microcomputer 49 can exchange signals
with a focus controller 61, an aperture controller 62, and a
digital signal processor 53.
The zoom controller 60 receives a signal from the zoom linear
sensor 21. The zoom controller 60 converts the amount of rotation
of the zoom ring 26 detected by the zoom linear sensor 21 into
focal length information of the imaging optical system L. The zoom
controller 60 transmits the focal length information to the
microcomputer 49.
The focus controller 61 can receive a signal from the focus linear
sensor 35, and send a signal to a focus drive motor 15. The focus
controller 61 determines the focus mode from the angle of rotation
of the focus ring 32 detected by the focus linear sensor 35. The
focus controller 61 transmits a determined result to the
microcomputer 49. The focus controller 61 transmits object distance
information detected from the angle of rotation of the focus ring
32 based on the instruction from the microcomputer 49, to the
microcomputer 49. The focus controller 61 drives the focus motor 15
based on the control signal from the microcomputer 49.
The aperture controller 62 can receive a signal from the aperture
linear sensor 41, and send a signal to the aperture drive motor
22b. The aperture controller 62 determines the aperture mode based
on the angle of rotation of the aperture ring 40 detected by the
aperture linear sensor 41. The aperture controller 62 transmits a
determined result to the microcomputer 49. The aperture controller
62 transmits aperture information detected from the angle of
rotation of the aperture ring 40 based on the instruction from the
microcomputer 49, to the microcomputer 49. The aperture controller
62 drives the aperture drive motor 22b based on the control signal
from the microcomputer 49.
The shutter controller 63 drives the shutter drive motor 22a based
on the control signal from the microcomputer 49. The shutter button
64 transmits the shutter timing to the microcomputer 49. The
shutter speed setting dial 65 transmits shutter speed information
and shutter mode information being set.
The image sensor 16 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image
sensor 16 converts the optical image formed by the imaging optical
system L of the lens unit 2 into the electrical image signal. The
image sensor 16 is driven and controlled by a CCD drive controller
50. The image signal outputted by the image sensor 16 is processed
in order by an analog signal processor 51, an A/D converter 52, the
digital signal processor 53, a buffer memory 54, and an image
compressor 56.
The image signal is transmitted to the analog signal processor 51
from the image sensor 16. The analog signal processor 51 subjects
the image signal which the image sensor 16 outputs to analog signal
processing, such as gamma processing or the like. The image signal
is transmitted to the A/D converter 52 from the analog signal
processor 51. The A/D converter 52 converts the analog image signal
outputted by the analog signal processor 51 into a digital
signal.
The image signal is transmitted to the digital signal processor 53
from the A/D converter 52. The digital signal processor 53 performs
digital signal processing, such as noise rejection and edge
enhancement of the image signal which is converted into the digital
signal by the A/D converter 52. The image signal is transmitted to
the buffer memory 54 from the digital signal processor 53. The
buffer memory 54 once stores the image signal processed by the
digital signal processor 53. The buffer memory 54 is a RAM (Random
Access Memory).
The image signal is transmitted from the buffer memory 54 to the
image compressor 56 according to an instruction from the image
recording controller 55. The image compressor 56 compresses data of
the image signal into a predetermined data size according to the
instruction of the image recording controller 55. The image signal
is subjected to data compression at a predetermined ratio,
resulting in a data size smaller than the original data size. As
this compression technique, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic
Experts Group) technique may be employed.
From the image compressor 56, a compressed image signal is
transmitted to the image recording section 57 and the liquid
crystal monitor LCD. Meanwhile, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
control signals to the image recording controller 55 and the image
display controller 58. The image recording controller 55 controls
the image recording section 57 based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The image display controller controls the liquid
crystal monitor LCD based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49.
The image recording section 57 records the image signal on an
internal memory and/or or a removable memory based on the
instruction of the image recording controller 55. The image
recording section 57 records information which should be stored
with the image signal on the internal memory and/or the removable
memory based on the instruction of the image recording controller
55. The information which should be stored with the image signal
includes time and date, focal length information, shutter speed
information, aperture information, and shooting mode information at
the time of shooting the image. It is, for example, an Exif
(registered trademark) format or a format similar to the Exif
(registered trademark) format.
The liquid crystal monitor LCD displays the image signal as a
visible image based on an instruction of the image display
controller 58. The liquid crystal monitor LCD displays information
which should be displayed with the image signal based on the
instruction of the image display controller 58. The information
which should be displayed with the image signal includes displays
of focal length information, shutter speed information, aperture
information, shooting mode information, and focused state
information. The microcomputer 49 also transmits the control signal
to the voice controller 59. The voice controller 59 drives and
controls the loudspeaker SP based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The loudspeaker SP sounds predetermined alarm
sounds to the outside.
Hereinafter, focus operation of the digital camera 1 will be
described using FIG. 17. The digital camera 1 has four focus modes,
namely, an auto-normal shooting mode for automatically focusing to
the normal shooting area, an auto-macro shooting mode for
automatically focusing to a close-up shooting area, a manual-normal
shooting mode for manually focusing to the normal shooting area,
and a manual-macro shooting mode for manually focusing to the
close-up shooting area.
The user who operates the digital camera 1 can select any one of
the four focus modes by setting the focus ring 32 to a desired
angle of rotation. In other words, upon aligning the indicator 33
with the character [AF] of the focus ring 32, the user can set the
auto-normal shooting mode. Upon aligning the indicator 33 with the
character [AF-Macro] of the focus ring 32, the user can set the
auto-macro shooting mode. Upon aligning the indicator 33 with the
range of the characters [0.6] through [.infin.] of the focus ring
32, the user can set the manual-normal shooting mode. Upon aligning
the indicator 33 with the range of the characters [0.6] through
[0.3] of the focus ring 32, the user can set the manual-macro
shooting mode.
Hereinafter, among four focus modes, the auto-normal shooting mode
and the auto-macro shooting mode are generically called an auto
focus mode. Meanwhile, hereinafter, the manual-normal shooting mode
and the manual-macro shooting mode are generically called a manual
focus mode. The focus linear sensor 35 outputs a signal in
accordance with the angle of rotation to the focus controller
61.
When it is in a state where the indicator 33 is aligned with the
character [AF] or [AF-Macro] of the focus ring 32, the focus
controller 61 determines, based on the signal received from the
focus linear sensor 35, that the focus mode is in the auto focus
mode. A determined result is transmitted to the microcomputer
49.
The microcomputer 49 recognizes that it is in the auto focus mode
based on the determined result received from the focus controller
61. The microcomputer 49 transmits the control signal to the focus
controller 61, and drives the focus drive motor 15 to thereby
slightly move the fifth lens unit L5.
The microcomputer 49 transmits an instruction to the digital signal
processor 53. The digital signal processor 53 transmits the image
signal to the microcomputer 49 at predetermined timings based on
the received instruction. Based on the received image signal and
the focal length information received from the zoom controller 60
in advance, the microcomputer 49 calculates a moving distance in
the direction parallel to the optical axis AX of the focus ring 32
where the imaging optical system L will be in the focused state.
The microcomputer 49 generates a control signal based on an
operation result. The microcomputer 49 transmits the control signal
to the focus controller 61.
The microcomputer 49 also transmits the control signal to the image
display controller 58. The image display controller 58 drives the
liquid crystal monitor LCD. The liquid crystal monitor LCD displays
that the focus mode is in the auto focus mode. The microcomputer 49
also transmits the control signal to the voice controller 59. The
voice controller 59 generates an audio signal to drive the
loudspeaker SP. The loudspeaker SP sounds an alarm sound noticing
that the focus mode is in the auto focus mode.
The focus controller 61 generates the driving signal for driving
the focus drive motor 15 based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The focus motor 15 is driven based on the driving
signal. The fifth lens unit L5 is driven by the focus motor 15 to
automatically move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX
(z-axis).
In the manner as described above, focusing in the auto focus mode
of the digital camera 1 is performed. The foregoing operation is
instantly performed after the user operates the shutter button
64.
After the shooting is completed, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
control signal to the image recording controller 55. The image
recording section 57 records the image signal on the internal
memory and/or the removable memory based on the instruction of the
image recording controller 55. The image recording section 57
records, based on the instruction of the image recording controller
55, the information indicating that the shooting mode is in the
auto focus mode on the internal memory and/or the removable memory
with the image signal.
When it is in a state where the indicator 33 is aligned with the
range of the characters [0.3] through [.infin.] of the focus ring
32, the focus controller 61 determines that the focus mode is in
the manual focus mode. A determined result is transmitted to the
microcomputer 49.
The microcomputer 49 requests the object distance information
detected from the angle of rotation of the focus ring 32 to the
focus controller 61. The focus controller 61 transmits the object
distance information detected from the angle of rotation of the
focus ring 32 based on the instruction from the microcomputer 49,
to the microcomputer 49. The microcomputer 49 recognizes that it is
in the manual focus mode based on the determined result received
from the focus controller 61. The microcomputer 49 generates the
control signal for moving the fifth lens unit L5 based on the
object distance information detected from the angle of rotation of
the focus ring 32. The microcomputer 49 transmits the generated
control signal to the focus controller 61.
The microcomputer 49 also transmits the control signal to the image
display controller 58. The image display controller 58 drives the
liquid crystal monitor LCD. The liquid crystal monitor LCD displays
that the focus mode is in the manual focus mode. The microcomputer
49 also transmits the control signal to the voice controller 59.
The voice controller 59 generates the audio signal set in advance
in the case of the manual focus mode to transmit it to the
loudspeaker SP. The loudspeaker SP sounds an alarm sound according
to the audio signal.
The focus controller 61 generates the driving signal for driving
the focus drive motor 15 based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The focus motor 15 is driven based on the driving
signal. The fifth lens unit L5 is driven by the focus motor 15 to
move in the direction parallel to the optical axis AX (z-axis)
according to the amount of rotation of the focus ring 32.
In the manner as described above, focusing in the manual focus mode
of the digital camera 1 is performed. The user can rotate the focus
ring 32 to perform the focusing while confirming the object on the
liquid crystal monitor LCD. In the manual focusing mode, when the
user operates the shutter button, shooting is performed as it
is.
After the shooting is completed, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
control signal to the image recording controller 55. The image
recording section 57 records the image signal on the internal
memory and/or the removable memory based on the instruction of the
image recording controller 55. The image recording section 57
records, based on the instruction of the image recording controller
55, the information indicating that the shooting mode is in the
manual focus mode on the internal memory and/or or the removable
memory with the image signal.
Next, an exposure setting operation of the digital camera 1 will be
described using FIG. 17. The digital camera 1 has four exposure
setting modes, namely, a program shooting mode for automatically
setting the exposure to the normal shooting area, a shutter speed
priority shooting mode for manually setting the shutter speed, an
aperture priority shooting mode for manually setting the aperture,
and a manual shooting mode for manually setting both of the shutter
speed and the aperture.
The user who operates the digital camera 1 can select any one of
the four exposure setting modes by setting the aperture ring 40
while combining a predetermined angle of rotation thereof with the
angle of rotation of the shutter speed setting dial 65. In other
words, when setting the shutter speed setting dial 65 to the
auto-position in a state where the character [A] of the aperture
ring 40 is aligned with the indicator 33, the user can set the
program shooting mode. When setting the shutter speed setting dial
65 to a position where the manual setting can be made in the state
where the character [A] of the aperture ring 40 is aligned with the
indicator 33, the user can set the shutter speed priority shooting
mode. When setting the shutter speed setting dial 65 to the
auto-position in a state where a position between the characters
[2] through [11] of the aperture ring 40 is aligned with the
indicator 33, the user can set the aperture priority shooting mode.
When setting the shutter speed setting dial 65 to the position
where the manual setting can be made in the state where the
position between the characters [2] through [11] of the aperture
ring 40 is aligned with the indicator 33, the user can set the
manual shooting mode.
Hereinafter, among the four exposure setting modes, the program
shooting mode and the shutter speed priority shooting mode are
generically called an auto aperture mode. Meanwhile, hereinafter,
the aperture priority shooting mode and the manual shooting mode
are generically called a manual aperture mode.
The aperture linear sensor 41 outputs a signal in accordance with
the angle of rotation to the aperture controller 62. When it is in
the state where the character [A] of the aperture ring 40 is
aligned with the indicator 33, if the shutter button 64 is
operated, the aperture controller 62 determines, based on the
signal received from the aperture linear sensor 41, that the
exposure setting mode is in the auto aperture mode. A determined
result is transmitted to the microcomputer 49.
Moreover, the shutter speed setting dial 65 outputs a signal in
accordance with the angle of rotation to the microcomputer 49. The
Microcomputer 49 recognizes that the exposure setting mode is in
the auto aperture mode based on the determination result received
from the aperture controller 62 and the signal from the shutter
speed setting dial 65.
The microcomputer 49 transmits the instruction to the digital
signal processor 53. The digital signal processor 53 transmits the
image signal to the microcomputer 49 at predetermined timings based
on the received instruction. The microcomputer 49 calculates an
exposure value based on the received image signal. When the
exposure setting mode is in the program shooting mode, the
microcomputer 49 calculates a suitable combination from the
apertures and the shutter speeds which can be adjusted. When the
exposure setting mode is in the shutter speed priority shooting
mode, the microcomputer 49 calculates a suitable aperture for the
shutter speed being set.
The microcomputer 49 generates a control signal based on an
operation result. The microcomputer 49 transmits the control signal
based on the calculated aperture to the aperture controller 62.
When the exposure setting mode is in the program shooting mode, the
microcomputer 49 transmits a control signal based on a calculated
shutter speed to the shutter controller 63. When the exposure
setting mode is in the shutter speed priority shooting mode, the
microcomputer 49 transmits contents of the shutter speed set by the
shutter speed setting dial 65, to the shutter controller 63.
The microcomputer 49 also transmits the control signal to the image
display controller 58. The image display controller 58 drives the
liquid crystal monitor LCD. When the control signal includes
contents for instructing a program setting mode, the liquid crystal
monitor LCD displays that the exposure setting mode is in the
program shooting mode. When the control signal includes contents
for instructing the shutter priority mode, the liquid crystal
monitor LCD displays that the exposure setting mode is in the
shutter speed priority mode. The microcomputer 49 also transmits
the control signal to the voice controller 59. The voice controller
59 generates the audio signal to drive the loudspeaker SP. When the
exposure mode is changed, the loudspeaker SP sounds an alarm
sound.
The aperture controller 62 generates a driving signal for driving
the aperture drive motor 22a based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The aperture drive motor 22a is driven based on
the driving signal. The aperture blade is driven resulted from the
drive of the aperture drive motor 22b.
The shutter controller 63 generates a driving signal for driving
the shutter drive motor 22b based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The shutter drive motor 22b is driven based on
the driving signal. The shutter blade is driven resulted from the
drive of the shutter drive motor 22b.
In the manner as described above, exposure setting in the auto
aperture mode of the digital camera 1 is performed. The foregoing
operation is instantly performed after the user operates the
shutter button 64.
After the shooting is completed, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
control signal to the image recording controller 55. The image
recording section 57 records the image signal on the internal
memory and/or the removable memory based on the instruction of the
image recording controller 55.
When the control signal includes contents for instructing the
program setting mode, the image recording section 57 records
information indicating that the exposure setting mode is in the
program shooting mode, on the internal memory and/or the removable
memory with the image signal, based on the instruction of the image
recording controller 55. When the control signal includes contents
for instructing the shutter priority mode, the image recording
section 57 records information indicating that the exposure setting
mode is in the shutter speed priority mode, on the internal memory
and/or or the removable memory with the image signal based on the
instruction of the image recording controller 55.
When it is in the state where the position between the characters
[2] through [11] of the aperture ring 40 is aligned with the
indicator 33, if the shutter button 64 is operated, the aperture
controller 62 determines, based on the signal received from the
aperture linear sensor 41, that the exposure setting mode is in the
manual aperture mode. A determined result is transmitted to the
microcomputer 49. Moreover, the shutter speed setting dial 65
outputs a signal in accordance with the angle of rotation to the
microcomputer 49.
The microcomputer 49 recognizes, based on the determination result
received from the aperture controller 62 and the signal from the
shutter speed setting dial 65, that the exposure setting mode is in
the manual aperture mode.
The microcomputer 49 requests the aperture information detected
from the angle of rotation of the aperture ring 40 to the aperture
controller 62. Based on the instruction from the microcomputer 49,
the aperture controller 62 transmits the aperture information
detected from the angle of rotation of the aperture ring 40 to the
microcomputer 49. When the exposure setting mode is in the aperture
priority shooting mode, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
instruction to the digital signal processor 53. The digital signal
processor 53 transmits the image signal to the microcomputer 49 at
predetermined timings based on the received instruction.
When the exposure setting mode is in the aperture priority shooting
mode, the microcomputer 49 calculates a shutter speed based on the
received image signal. When the exposure setting mode is in the
aperture priority shooting mode, the microcomputer 49 calculates a
suitable shutter speed for the detected aperture. When the exposure
setting mode is in the aperture priority shooting mode, the
microcomputer 49 generates a control signal based on an operation
result. When the exposure setting mode is in the aperture priority
shooting mode, the microcomputer 49 transmits the control signal
based on a calculated shutter speed to the shutter controller 63.
When the exposure setting mode is in the manual shooting mode, the
microcomputer 49 transmits contents of the shutter speed set by the
shutter speed setting dial 65, to the shutter controller 63.
The microcomputer 49 also transmits the control signal to the image
display controller 58. The image display controller 58 drives the
liquid crystal monitor LCD. When the control signal includes
contents for instructing the aperture priority shooting mode, the
liquid crystal monitor LCD displays that the exposure setting mode
is in the aperture priority shooting mode. When the control signal
includes contents for instructing the manual shooting mode, the
liquid crystal monitor LCD displays that the exposure setting mode
is in the manual shooting mode. The microcomputer 49 also transmits
the control signal to the voice controller 59. The voice controller
59 generates the audio signal to drive the loudspeaker SP. When the
exposure mode is changed, the loudspeaker SP sounds the alarm
sound.
The aperture controller 62 generates the driving signal for driving
the aperture drive motor 22a based on the control signal from the
microcomputer 49. The aperture drive motor 22a is driven based on
the driving signal. The aperture blade is driven resulted from the
drive of the aperture drive motor 22a. The shutter controller 63
generates the driving signal for driving the shutter drive motor
22b based on the control signal from the microcomputer 49. The
shutter drive motor 22b is driven based on the driving signal. The
shutter blade is driven resulted from the drive of the shutter
drive motor 22b.
In the manner as described above, the exposure setting in the
manual aperture mode of the digital camera 1 is performed. The
foregoing operation is instantly performed after the user operates
the shutter button 64.
After the shooting is completed, the microcomputer 49 transmits the
control signal to the image recording controller 55. The image
recording section 57 records the image signal on the internal
memory and/or or the removable memory based on the instruction of
the image recording controller 55.
When the control signal includes contents for instructing the
aperture priority mode, the image recording section 57 records the
information indicating that the exposure setting mode is in the
aperture priority mode, on the internal memory and/or the removable
memory with the image signal based on the instruction of the image
recording controller 55. When the control signal includes contents
for instructing the manual shooting mode, the image recording
section 57 records the information indicating that the exposure
setting mode is in the manual shooting mode, on the internal memory
and/or or the removable memory with the image signal based on the
instruction of the image recording controller 55.
As described above, the imaging device TL in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention is provided with a following
configuration, that is,
(1) a lens barrel (lens barrel 46) including the imaging optical
system L for forming the optical image of the object,
(2) an image sensor (image sensor 16) for converting the optical
image formed by the imaging optical system L into the electrical
image signal, and
(3) control means (microcomputer 49).
Meanwhile, (2) the lens barrel includes a following configuration,
that is,
(2a) a focus lens unit (fifth lens unit L5) which is included in
the imaging optical system and capable of changing the object
distance by moving in the direction parallel to the optical axis of
the imaging optical system,
(2b) moving means (feed screw 15a and rack 14a) for moving the
focus lens unit in the direction parallel to the optical axis,
(2c) driving means (focus motor 15) for driving the moving means
based on the control signal,
(2d) a first operating member (focus ring 32) which is of a
cylindrical shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging
optical system and manually operated in a rotational manner,
(2e) a second operating member (focus mode switching button 37)
which is integrally provided in the first operating member, and
operated in order to switch between the state of allowing the
manual rotating operation of the first operating member (focus ring
32) and the state of preventing the manual rotating operation,
and
(2f) angle of rotation detecting means (focus linear sensor 35) for
outputting a signal in accordance with the angle of rotation of the
first operating member (focus ring 32).
Moreover, (3) the control means perform a following operation.
(3a) When the first operating member (focus ring 32) is
rotationally operated in a state where the rotating operation of
the first operating member (focus ring 32) is allowed by the
operation of the second operating member (focus mode switching
button 37), the control means generates the control signal for
moving the focus lens unit (fifth lens unit L5) based on the signal
outputted by the angle of rotation detecting means (focus linear
sensor 35).
Since the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention is provided particularly with the focus ring
32, and the focus mode switching button 37 integrally provided in
the focus ring 32, the user does not need to take a hand off from
the focus ring 32 when changing the focus mode. Thus, it is
possible to provide the imaging device excellent in operability for
the user.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the output of the focus linear sensor 35
changes corresponding to the angle of rotation of the focus ring
32, the rotating operation of the focus ring 32 serves two
functions, namely, a function as an operating member for performing
manual focusing, and a function as a switch for switching the focus
mode. Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent
in operability for the user. Moreover, since it also serves as the
switch, a reduction in parts can be achieved.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the focus ring 32, and the fifth lens unit
L5 which is the focus lens unit are not mechanically connected, the
user can rotate the focus ring 32 with a small torque in performing
manual focusing. Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging device
excellent in operability for the user.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the focus ring 32, and the fifth lens unit
L5 which is the focus lens unit are not mechanically connected, the
user can rotate the focus ring 32 with a small torque. Meanwhile,
when it has any other operating member, such as a zoom ring or the
like, which is mechanically connected with the imaging optical
system, the user needs to rotate the zoom ring with a larger torque
compared with the focus ring 32. As a result, in manually operating
the ring in a rotational manner, the user can distinguish which
ring is being rotationally operated based on the torque.
In addition to the foregoing configuration, the imaging device TL
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is
provided with a following configuration, that is,
(4) operation means for calculating the defocus amount of the
imaging optical system (microcomputer 49).
Moreover, (3) in addition to foregoing contents, the control means
(microcomputer 49) performs a following operation. When the
operation start is instructed (ON of the shutter button 64) in the
state where the rotating operation of the first operating member
(focus ring 32) is prevented by the operation of the second
operating member (focus mode switching button 37), the control
means generates the control signal for moving the focus lens unit
based on the operation result of the operation means.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the focus ring 32, and the fifth lens unit
L5 that is the focus lens unit are not mechanically connected, the
focus ring 32 does not rotate in the auto focus mode where the
aforementioned control is performed by the microcomputer 49. Thus,
it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent in
operability for the user.
Moreover, as described above, the imaging device TL in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a
following configuration, that is
(1) a lens barrel (lens barrel 46) including the imaging optical
system L for forming the optical image of the object,
(2) an image sensor (image sensor 16) for converting the optical
image formed by the imaging optical system L into the electrical
image signal, and
(3) control means (microcomputer 49).
Moreover, (2) the lens barrel (lens barrel 46) includes a following
configuration, that is
(2a) an aperture stop (aperture stop 22) which is provided in the
specified position on the optical axis of the imaging optical
system and capable of changing the aperture of the imaging optical
system,
(2b) driving means (aperture drive motor 22b) for operating the
aperture stop based on the control signal,
(2c) a first operating member (aperture ring 40) which is of a
cylindrical shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging
optical system and manually operated in a rotational manner in
order to drive the driving means to thereby change the aperture of
the aperture stop,
(2d) a second operating member (aperture mode switching button 43)
which is integrally provided in the first operating member, and
operated in order to switch between the state of allowing the
manual rotating operation of the first operating member (focus ring
32) and the state of preventing the manual rotating operation,
and
(2e) angle of rotation detecting means (aperture linear sensor 41)
for outputting the signal in accordance with the angle of rotation
of the first operating member.
Moreover, (3) the control means performs a following operation.
(3a) When the first operating member (aperture ring 40) is
rotationally operated in a state where the rotating operation of
the first operating member (aperture ring 40) is allowed by the
operation of the second operating member (aperture mode switching
button 43), the control means generates the control signal for
changing the aperture of the aperture stop based on the signal
outputted by the angle of rotation detecting means (aperture linear
sensor 41).
Since the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention is provided particularly with the aperture
ring 40, and the aperture mode switching button 43 integrally
provided in the aperture ring 40, the user does not need to take a
hand off from the aperture ring 40 when changing the aperture among
exposure settings. Thus, it is possible to provide the imaging
device excellent in operability for the user.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the output of the aperture linear sensor
41 changes corresponding to the angle of rotation of the aperture
ring 40, the rotating operation of the aperture ring 40 serves two
functions, namely, the function as the operating member for
manually setting the aperture, and the function as the switch for
switching the aperture among the exposure settings. Thus, it is
possible to provide the imaging device excellent in operability for
the user. Moreover, since it also serves as the switch, a reduction
in parts can be achieved.
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the aperture ring 40 and the aperture stop
22 are not mechanically connected, the user can rotate the aperture
ring 40 with a small torque in manually setting the aperture. Thus,
it is possible to provide the imaging device excellent in
operability for the user.
In addition to the foregoing configuration, the imaging device TL
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is
provided with a following configuration, that is
(4) photometry means (image sensor 16) for detecting a quantity of
light, and
(5) operation means (microcomputer 49) for calculating the aperture
of the imaging optical system based on a detection result of the
photometry means.
Moreover, (3) in addition to the foregoing contents, the control
means (microcomputer 49) performs a following operation. When the
operation start is instructed in the state where the rotating
operation of the first operating member (aperture ring 40) is
prevented by the operation of the second operating member (aperture
mode switching button 43), the control means generates the control
signal for changing the aperture of the aperture stop based on an
operation result of the operation means (microcomputer 49).
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the aperture ring 40 and the aperture stop
22 are not mechanically connected, when it is in the auto aperture
mode where the aforementioned control is performed by the
microcomputer 49, the aperture ring 40 does not rotate. Thus, it is
possible to provide the imaging device excellent in operability for
the user.
In addition to the foregoing configuration, the imaging device TL
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is
provided with a following configuration, that is
(4) photometry means (image sensor 16) for measuring a quantity of
light,
(6) shutter speed setting means (shutter speed setting dial 65) for
setting the shutter speed, and
(5) operation means (microcomputer 49) for calculating the aperture
of the imaging optical system based on a detection result of the
photometry means and a setting by the shutter speed setting
means.
Moreover, (3) in addition to the foregoing contents, the control
means (microcomputer 49) performs a following operation. When the
operation start is instructed in the state where the rotating
operation of the first operating member (aperture ring 40) is
prevented by the operation of the second operating member (aperture
mode switching button 43), the control means generates the control
signal for changing the aperture of the aperture stop based on an
operation result of the operation means (microcomputer 49).
In the imaging device TL in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, since the aperture ring 40 and the aperture stop
22 are not mechanically connected, when it is the shutter speed
priority mode where the aforementioned control is performed by the
microcomputer 49, the aperture ring 40 does not rotate. Thus, it is
possible to provide the imaging device excellent in operability for
the user.
Moreover, in the imaging device TL in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, the ring unit 25 is attachable
and detachable in the state where the imaging optical system of the
lens unit 2 can form the optical image of the object. Thus, it is
possible to evaluate the imaging optical system even before the
ring unit is attached. Moreover, even if the ring unit is damaged
or deteriorated, the ring units can be exchanged without
decomposing the imaging optical system.
In the digital camera 1 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention, the filter mount 29 is attachable and detachable
in the state where the imaging optical system of the lens unit 2
can form the optical image of the object. Thus, even if the filter
mount is damaged or deteriorated, the filter mount can be exchanged
without decomposing the imaging optical system.
Moreover, the assembly method of the lens barrel 46 in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is provided with
following steps, that is
(1) a first step of assembling the lens unit which holds the
imaging optical system L for forming the optical image of the
object,
(2) a second step of assembling the ring unit 25 which is of a
cylindrical shape coaxial to the optical axis of the imaging
optical system and includes an operating member which is manually
operated in a rotational manner, and
(3) a third step of attaching the ring unit 25 to the completed
lens unit 2.
According to the assembly method of the lens barrel 46 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, it is
possible to evaluate the imaging optical system even before the
ring unit is attached
Moreover, the assembly method of the lens barrel 46 in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is provided with
following steps. a first step of assembling the lens unit 2 which
holds the imaging optical system L for forming the optical image of
the object, and a second step for attaching the filter mount 29 to
be fixed to the side closest to the object of the lens unit 2 to
the completed lens unit 2 in order to hold the filter or other
optical system which should be arranged on the side closest to the
object of the imaging optical system.
According to the assembly method of the lens barrel 46 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, it is
possible to evaluate the imaging optical system even before the
ring unit is attached. Moreover, even if the filter mount is
damaged or deteriorated, the filter mount can be exchanged without
decomposing the imaging optical system.
It should be noted herein that the aforementioned embodiment of the
present invention is not limited to a specific aspect in its
contents, but could be changed suitably.
For example, while the linear sensor with slider is used in
detecting an absolute angle of the focus ring 32 and the aperture
ring 40 in the present embodiment, a linear sensor with contact
brush and conductive pattern may also be employed.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conductive pattern of
the linear sensor according to a modification of the embodiment of
the present invention. The linear sensor shown in FIG. 18 includes
a contact brush 70 and a conductive pattern 71. In the linear
sensor shown in FIG. 18, moving the contact brush 70 on the
conductive pattern 71 will vary a contact area between the contact
brush 70 and the conductive pattern 71. At this time, when a
voltage is applied to the contact brush, a voltage outputted from
the conductive pattern 71 will be changed. Thus, a position of the
contact brush 70 can be detected.
When the linear sensor shown in FIG. 18 is replaced by the focus
linear sensor 35 of the embodiment, what is necessary is to provide
the contact brush 70 in the inner periphery of the focus ring 32,
and just to fix the conductive pattern 71 to the outer periphery of
the third ring fixing frame 36. When the linear sensor shown in
FIG. 18 is replaced by the aperture linear sensor 41 of the
embodiment, what is necessary is to provide the contact brush 70 in
the inner periphery of the aperture ring 40, and just to fix the
conductive pattern 71 to the outer periphery of the third ring
fixing frame 36. In addition, a rotary encoder for detecting the
amount of rotation may be used instead of the linear sensor.
Moreover, in switching between the auto and manual modes of the
focus and the aperture, the ring is rotated while pushing the
switching button in shifting to either modes in the present
embodiment, but it is not limited to this configuration.
FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view for explaining actions of the
focus mode switching button 37 according to the modification of the
embodiment of the present invention. The direction shown by the
arrowhead K in the figures represents the rotational direction
around the optical axis AX. In the focus ring 32, the first stop
position corresponds to the position of the character [.infin.]
shown in FIG. 9A. Additionally, in the focus ring 32, the second
stop position corresponds to the position of the character [AF]
shown in FIG. 9A. A focus mode switching button of the modification
roughly has the same configuration as that of the focus mode
switching button 37 of the embodiment. Meanwhile, a shape of a
locking part 38a' provided in the second ring fixing frame 38 of
the modification is not the same as the shape of the locking part
38a provided in the second ring fixing frame 38 of the
embodiment.
The locking part 38a of the modification has a slanting surface on
one side (refer to FIG. 19C). For this reason, in rotating in a
reverse direction to the K direction from the second stop position
(state of FIG. 19C), since the locking part 37a of the focus mode
switching button 37 is movable along the slanting surface of
locking part 38a', the locking part 38a' does not serve as a
locking part. At this time, according to the modification, when
rotationally operated from the manual-normal shooting area to the
auto-normal shooting area, the focus ring 32 cannot be rotationally
operated, unless it is rotated while pushing the focus mode
switching button 37 as described in the embodiment. When
rotationally operated from the auto-normal shooting area to the
manual-normal shooting area, however, unlike the operation
described in the embodiment, it is possible to rotate the focus
ring 32 even when the focus mode switching button 37 is not pushed.
When shifting from the auto-normal shooting area to the manual
shooting area, the user may desire an instant switching. In such a
case, employing the configuration according to the modification may
omit the operation of the focus mode switching button 37.
Moreover, while the digital camera that mounts three rings, namely,
the zoom ring, the focus ring, and the aperture ring is described
in the embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention
is adaptable for the digital camera that mounts only two rings,
namely, the zoom ring and the focus ring. Moreover, an order of
arranging the rings is not limited to the order described in the
present embodiment, either.
Moreover, while the example in which the zoom ring is manually
operated in a rotational manner is described in the embodiment, it
may also be a power zoom lens driven by a motor by applying a
configuration similar to that of the focus ring of the embodiment
to the zoom ring.
Moreover, while the example in which the auto focus operation is
performed based on the image signal outputted by the image sensor
is described in the embodiment, it is not limited to this. A
passive type detection sensor with a phase difference detection
system provided independently of the image sensor, and an active
type detection sensor which measures a distance using a light
emitting device and a light receiving device provided independently
of the image sensor may also be used.
Moreover, while the shutter is the so-called lens shutter arranged
in the imaging optical system in the embodiment, a focal plane
shutter arranged near the image sensor may also be used.
Moreover, the imaging optical system may be suitably changed
depending on specifications or purposes. For example, it is not
limited to the imaging optical system described in the present
embodiment, in which a total length thereof is fixed, but an
imaging optical system with total length adjustable system, in
which the total length thereof is adjustable depending on a zoom
magnification, may also be adapted.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention can provide the digital camera excellent in
operability, in which a reduction in parts is achieved. Moreover,
applying the lens barrel and the imaging device according to the
present invention to mobile devices, such as a portable telephone
terminal and a PDA (Personal Digital Assist) makes it possible to
incorporate, into these devices, the digital camera excellent in
operability in which a reduction in parts is achieved.
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